On a fateful Friday morning in July 2024, heavy rains lashed Delhi, leading to a tragedy at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. A portion of the Terminal 1 roof collapsed, sending shockwaves through the nation.

The Collapse and Its Impact

The incident occurred around 5:30 AM at the departure forecourt of Terminal 1, an older section of the airport. The downpour caused a section of the canopy to give way, crashing down on vehicles parked underneath. The visuals were horrifying, with taxis and cars crushed under the debris.

The immediate aftermath was chaotic. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, frantically searching for survivors trapped under the wreckage. Sadly, three people lost their lives in the incident, and several others sustained injuries.

After Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu visited the airport and inspected Terminal 1 He said that the airport will temporarily shift operations to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. . The exact duration of the closure depended on the severity of the damage and the time required for repairs and safety inspections. During this period, arriving and departing flights were shifted to other operational terminals at the airport, potentially Terminal 2 and 3, to minimize disruption to air travel.

Politicians Point Fingers

Following the tragedy, accusations flew between the ruling party and the opposition. The opposition blamed the central government for neglecting infrastructure maintenance, highlighting years of warnings about the deteriorating state of Terminal 1. They demanded accountability and a thorough investigation into potential lapses on the part of the authorities responsible for airport upkeep.

The ruling party, on the other hand, countered by pointing fingers at the previous administration for allegedly neglecting infrastructure development projects. They emphasized the swift rescue efforts undertaken and the measures being implemented to address safety concerns.

The Delhi Airport incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing public safety above political point-scoring. While investigations continue and improvements are being made, the pain of the victims’ families and the scars on the national conscience remain. Only through genuine cooperation and a commitment to long-term solutions can such tragedies be truly prevented.