Cold wave conditions persist, throw normal life out of gear in Amritsar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 19

The continuing cold wave intensified as sunlight remained elusive today. Dense fog disrupted the schedule of trains and buses besides upsetting the life of people. Keeping in view the cold wave sweeping through northern region of the country along with reduced visibility due to dense fog, the speed of trains and buses was reduced.

Similarly, arrival and departure of buses, especially on long and inter-state routes, was also affected due to low visibility. The routine life of people was upset with most of them preferring to remain indoors. People were seen sitting near bonfires lit by the roadside for warmth.

The Amritsar-Nanded Sachkhand Express, which departs from the local railway station at 5:30 am, was delayed by over five hours. Passengers were irked that the Amritsar-Howrah Mail, which usually departs at 6:25 pm, was shown as leaving at 7:30 pm but was parked on platform number 5. Since the Amritsar-Howrah Express train was already cancelled in the foggy weather, the entire rush of passengers shifted to the Howrah Mail.

Arrival of the popular Shan-e-Punjab was delayed by about five hours. Shan-e-Punjab, which arrives at 2:15 pm and departs at 3:10 pm, arrived at about 7 pm and its departure was made possible at 7:30 pm. The departure of Amritsar-Bilaspur Chhattisgarh Express, at 4:10 pm, was delayed by about three hours.

After some days of late departure, the Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi, which arrives at 1:30 pm and departs at 4:50 pm and Amritsar-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus train, which usually departs at 8:50 am, left at their right time. However, dense fog en route delayed the Amritsar-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus train at all other railway stations of Punjab. Railway officials said this happened with several other trains as keeping in view the safety and security of passengers, the speed of trains was brought down.

After two days of slight respite from shivering cold in the form of mild sunlight, the fog returned with vigour today. A thick blanket of fog disrupted the movement of vehicles on road with temperature plummeting. Fog descended in the wee hours and reduced the visibility forcing drivers to switch on the headlights even during the day. The foggy conditions also affected power supply in some parts of the city.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.