Warmth of love: A mother carries her son completely wrapped up in a shawl to sheild him against the biting cold in Patna on Thursday. Picture by Ashok Sinha

Patna, Jan. 6: Thick blanket of fog has thrown rail movement out of gear.

A number of trains passing through Patna station were delayed by almost 10 hours and passengers were left with no option but to wait in retiring rooms or on platforms. Station master of Patna Junction Rajuji said: “Around 12 trains running late because of the fog but railways has made sure that the passengers do not face any trouble while waiting.”

Till the last reports came in, Sampoorna Kranti (12394) was running late by six hours, Delhi-Rajdhani Express (2310) by eight hours, Garib Rath Express (12354) over 10 hours, Magadh Express (12402) five hours, Vikramshila Express (12368) seven hours, Simanchal Express (2487) six hours, Saharsa-Patna Express (5281) two hours and Shramjeevi Express (12392) by three hours. On the down route, Rajdhani and Magadh Express trains are running late.

Earlier, the east central railway (ECR) had issued a guideline for the drivers on how to run a train in foggy conditions. ECR chief public relation officer Dilip Kumar said: “We are using railway detonators to fight the fog. Deputation of fog signalman with detonators at 270-280 meters from the first stop-signal to inform in advance the location of the signal to the driver of the approaching train is being done. If the driver cannot see the track clearly the driver should proceed at a speed not exceeding 8kmph. The maximum permissible speed under such condition is being modified to 10kmph.” He added: “I would request all passengers to confirm the position of the train by dialling 139.”

For the passengers, the journey seems to be both chilling and harrowing. Manju Kumari, who has been waiting for the Katihar-Patna Express (5713) at Patna Junction said: “The delay is making us impatient, especially because of the chill. It is cold in the waiting room and railway officials have not arranged heaters. If the trains are late then railways should provide us with alternatives.”