A Monsoon of Damaging Extremes
This year's monsoon season has been particularly harsh on the nation's infrastructure. Across at least 20 states, heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding have caused significant damage to national highways. Reports from August 2026 detailed over 143
kilometers of national highway stretches being severely affected. States like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat have seen key roads and even newly constructed expressways washed away or cave in, raising concerns about construction quality and drainage planning. This widespread damage, from washed-out coastal corridors to landslides on mountain roads, has left a legacy of weakened infrastructure. The soil is waterlogged, slopes are unstable, and many temporary repairs will be tested by the changing seasons.
The Knock-On Effect for Railways
India's extensive railway network is also on high alert. The same waterlogged soil that compromises roads poses a significant threat to rail tracks. Saturated ground can lead to track subsidence, where the foundation of the railway line weakens, creating unsafe conditions. In anticipation, railway divisions have been undertaking extensive pre-winter preparedness. This includes inspecting all bridges and tunnels, cleaning drains, and stocking emergency materials like boulders and sandbags in vulnerable areas. Special attention is being paid to locations prone to landslides and waterlogging, with watchmen and patrol staff deployed for round-the-clock monitoring. Despite these measures, the sheer scale of this year's monsoon means the risk of disruption remains high, especially on routes that run through hilly and flood-prone terrain.
The Winter Fog Factor
One of the most significant, and often underestimated, consequences of a wet post-monsoon season is its impact on winter fog. Dense fog is a regular and disruptive feature of winter in North India, particularly across the Indo-Gangetic plain. This phenomenon is created when moisture in the air condenses in cool, calm conditions. A wetter-than-usual autumn and early winter, a direct result of the prolonged monsoon, provides an abundant supply of moisture. This excess moisture in the atmosphere and soil can lead to the formation of denser, more persistent fog. This is a major concern for both road and rail transport, as severe fog dramatically reduces visibility, leading to inevitable delays, diversions, and an increased risk of accidents.
What Travellers Should Expect
For anyone planning to travel by road or rail this winter, particularly between December and February, preparedness will be key. The combination of already-damaged infrastructure and the high potential for dense fog suggests a season of potential disruptions. Travellers should anticipate delays and possible cancellations, especially for early morning and late-night journeys when fog is at its thickest. It would be wise to build extra time into travel schedules and stay updated with advisories from Indian Railways and highway authorities. Booking tickets in advance and having flexible plans could help mitigate some of the stress. With a strengthening El Niño also predicted to bring warmer, more erratic weather, the typical patterns of winter travel may not apply this year, adding another layer of uncertainty.
