Thursday, January 5 2006 12:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The National Capital was in the grip of a cold wave today (Jan 5,2006) as mercury dipped due to icy westerly winds and the thick fog enveloping the region delayed flights and trains coming to the city.

The Runway Visibility Range at the Indira Gandhi International Airport was around 200 metres, which led to delay in air services. Several international flights heading towards the capital had to be diverted to nearby airports, while some private airlines cancelled their early morning operations.

Northern Railways continued to cancel a few services due to fog while several trains reaching here were running behind the schedule.

Two Indian Airlines flights could take off using the advanced CAT III B Instrument Landing System till 7:47 a.m., airport sources said adding that weather packed up later and the airport was shut for operations for nearly hour.

Flights resumed around 8:40 a.m. As the fog cleared and Runway Visibility Range improved to 400 meters, they said.

The minimum temperature in the capital was five degrees Celsius, which was two degrees below normal, Meteorological Department officials said.

The city has been in the grip of a coldwave since yesterday (Jan 4,2006) when the maximum temperature was 17.3 degrees Celsius, which is five degrees below normal.

Northern Railways had to cancel at least four trains Farukhabad-Bhiwani Kalindi Express, Allahabad-Ambala Unchahar Express, Delhi-Sealdah Lal Qila Express, Howrah-Sri Ganganagar Toofan Express due to bad weather.