Lucknow / Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – A thick blanket of dense fog has engulfed several parts of Uttar Pradesh, including the holy city of Ayodhya, severely disrupting road and rail traffic across the region on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Fog Covers Ayodhya, Major UP Cities

Early Friday morning, visibility dropped sharply in Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and other districts as a dense fog layer settled over the state. In Ayodhya, the fog reduced visibility to under 100–200 metres, making it difficult for vehicles to move at normal speeds.

Local residents reported that the city looked “wrapped in mist,” with landmarks and roads barely visible in the early hours. Similar conditions were reported in Moradabad, Agra, and Gorakhpur, where commuters had to drive slowly with headlights and fog lamps on.

Severe Impact on Road Traffic

On national highways and state roads, traffic movement slowed to a crawl as drivers struggled with poor visibility. On the Purvanchal Expressway, Lucknow–Prayagraj route, and other major corridors, vehicles were moving at 20–30 kmph instead of normal speeds.

Police and traffic authorities issued advisories asking drivers to reduce speed, maintain safe distance, use fog lights, and avoid overtaking. In several districts, including Kaushambi and Prayagraj, local roads saw long queues and minor delays as drivers moved cautiously through the fog.

Rail Services Hit, Trains Delayed

Rail traffic across Uttar Pradesh has been significantly affected, with dozens of trains running late by several hours. At Ayodhya Junction and Ayodhya Cantt, multiple trains were delayed due to fog-related speed restrictions and poor visibility on the tracks.

Several long-distance trains, including Rajdhani, Duronto, and other express services passing through eastern and central UP, are running 3–10 hours behind schedule. Railway officials said that fog has forced trains to run at reduced speeds, especially during early morning hours, leading to cascading delays.

IMD Warns of Continued Fog

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that dense to very dense fog is likely to continue during night and early morning hours over large parts of Uttar Pradesh, especially in the eastern and central regions, for the next few days.

IMD forecasts that visibility may drop below 200 metres in many districts, including Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Lucknow. Authorities have been advised to remain alert as low visibility can disrupt road, rail, and even air traffic at regional airports.

Health and Safety Advisory

With the fog accompanied by a cold wave, health officials have advised people, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure in the early morning.

Residents are urged to wear warm clothes, use masks if going out, and keep homes well-ventilated. Authorities have also asked schools and offices to monitor conditions and take necessary precautions if visibility drops to dangerous levels.

What Travelers Should Do

  • Check train status via NTES or IRCTC before heading to the station.
  • Allow extra time for road travel; avoid night journeys if possible.
  • Use headlights, fog lamps, and low-beam lights; never use high beams in fog.
  • Follow traffic police instructions and avoid rash driving.

Last updated: January 02, 2026