Agra: Agra was all wrapped up in a thick blanket of fog on Thursday, and the Met Office has forecast similar foggy conditions Friday and some showers Saturday.
Poor visibility affected rail and road transport, and toursists were disappointed at a Taj completely shrouded by the fog. The city folk were waiting for the sun to break through the murky sky even till noon.
"Those who have spent money and come to Agra to see the Taj Mahal feel a little disappointed by the vagaries of nature. A clear sky would have made Taj a memorable experience for many," said tourist guide Ved Gautam.
"A large number of tourists from south India, not familiar with Agra winter, are having a tough time negotiating with the searing cold," he said.
On Wednesday, the fog made movement difficult. Goods trains were halted for hours at smaller stations between Delhi and Agra.
"Because of poor visibility, train drivers have been told to drive cautiously and slowly, this is causing the delay," said a railway official.
Though the minimum temperature has not dropped below 8 degrees Celsius, the foggy conditions have hit normal life and forced people to either stay home or shut down shops and establishments early in the evenings.
Parents have demanded extension of winter vacations after some schools reopened Wednesday. District authorities have already asked primary schools to open only after 9 am.
IANS
First Published: Thursday, January 05, 2012, 13:34