Rama Krishna Sangem
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert as winter deepens across much of India. Cold-wave conditions are likely to grip parts of Punjab and Maharashtra, with “severe cold-wave conditions at isolated places” over Punjab. Cold-wave conditions are also forecasted for West Madhya. But its impact will be there even in the South India which is already reeling under fallen temperatures.
IMD has forecasted dense fog during the early hours in certain pockets of Manipur and Odisha on December 1. Similar fog along with cold conditions is likely to affect Himachal Pradesh between December 1 and 3. In North India and the plains, minimum temperatures are likely to drop significantly: some areas may see morning lows below 6 °C. In fact, across the plains, the lowest minimum temperature recorded was 2.0°C at Faridkot in Punjab — reportedly the lowest in the plains so far this season, as per IMD data.
This forecast is not only academic; it has already started impacting real-life travel. Based on anticipated dense-fog conditions, according to officials, Indian Railways has suspended 56 trains between December 1, 2025, and March 1, 2026. The cancellations impact key routes across Punjab and neighbouring regions, including major stations like Chandigarh, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana.
Train services disrupted
Indian Railways reported that among the cancelled services are several significant trains, such as the Chandigarh–Amritsar Garib Rath Express, the Yognagari Jammu Tawi Express, and the Kalka–Vaishno Devi Express—affecting regular commuters, pilgrims, and long-haul travellers headed towards northern and Himalayan destinations. Railway officials say the step focuses on protecting passengers and preventing cascading delays caused by poor visibility in heavy fog. Anti-fog measures and reduced-speed protocols will be implemented wherever trains still run.
Authorities advised that for citizens and travellers, especially those in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Himachal and nearby regions, staying alert is vital. Before travelling by rail, check train status carefully, plan extra time for journeys, and consider alternative transport if fog or cold is predicted.
According to experts, the IMD Alert and railway response together reflect how severe weather like cold waves plus dense fog can quickly disrupt everyday life across North India. For now, vigilance, preparedness, and flexible travel plans remain the best defence against winter’s uncertainties.
