NEW DELHI – Monsoon rains in New Delhi caused a tragic incident at the airport terminal, resulting in the collapse of part of the terminal roof onto parked cars. Officials confirmed the death of at least one individual and injuries to eight others due to the accident. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated that operations at the terminal were temporarily halted as a result of the damage caused by the heavy rains.
Criticism arose regarding the incident, with government critics attributing the collapse to negligence and poor maintenance amidst the nation’s infrastructure development boom. Stranded passengers expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication from authorities, highlighting their concerns during the chaotic situation at the airport.
Following the suspension of operations at the damaged terminal, airport officials redirected all activities to the airport’s other two terminals which also handle international flights. IndiGo Airlines, a major player in India’s domestic aviation market, had to cancel flights initially scheduled to depart from the affected terminal.
The rescue operation, led by fire safety officials, lasted over three hours according to Atul Garg, director of the Delhi Fire Service. This incident occurred amid widespread flooding in parts of New Delhi, disrupting travel and causing power outages in the region.
Criticism of poor maintenance and lack of oversight in major infrastructure projects has long plagued the country, with concerns about the safety of common citizens while using bridges, tunnels, and dams. India’s aviation industry, one of the world’s largest, has undergone significant growth over the past decade, with the construction of 75 new airports and a doubling of domestic passenger traffic during that time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on infrastructure development has been a key focus, with frequent inaugurations of highways, railway stations, and airports. While infrastructure development has been a central theme in recent political campaigns, incidents like the airport roof collapse have raised questions about the quality and safety of these projects.
Critics on social media and opposition party leaders have pointed to the Delhi incident as indicative of broader infrastructure challenges facing the country. The company operating the airport terminal, Delhi International Airport Limited, announced compensation for the victims and their families, highlighting the financial impact of such tragedies on those affected.
