Over the past three days, a series of concerning incidents have unfolded at Indian airports, with canopies collapsing due to heavy rainfall. Let's delve into the details of the Rajkot airport incident and take a brief look at the other two events.
By Aditya M
Rajkot Takes a Fall
On 29 June, a portion of the canopy at Gujarat's Rajkot Airport succumbed to heavy rains. Thankfully, the collapse occurred in the passenger pick-up and drop-off area outside the terminal, resulting in no injuries or casualties. This incident, however, raises questions about the structural integrity of the canopy, especially considering it's a relatively new greenfield facility. Reports suggest the collapse occurred during maintenance efforts to remove accumulated water. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
A Worrying Trend
The Rajkot incident wasn't an isolated event. Just a day prior, on 28 June, a section of the roof canopy at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal-1 partially collapsed during heavy rainfall. Tragically, this incident resulted in one fatality and several injuries. Similar concerns arose regarding the canopy's ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Jabalpur Joins the List
Adding to the worries, a part of a fabric canopy at Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur Airport collapsed on 28 June due to water accumulation during heavy rains. Fortunately, this incident didn't cause any injuries, but it highlighted the vulnerability of these structures across various airports.
A Call for Action
These three incidents in a short span raise serious concerns about the design, construction, and maintenance of airport canopies in India. A thorough investigation into each collapse is crucial to identify the root causes and prevent similar incidents in the future. Additionally, a review of existing canopies and potential upgrades to ensure they can withstand harsh weather conditions might be necessary. Passenger safety must be the top priority, and these recent events serve as a stark reminder of the need for robust infrastructure at our airports.
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