Following a deadly roof collapse at Terminal 1 (T1) of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has initiated a series of measures to ensure passenger safety and operational continuity. The incident, which occurred last Friday due to heavy rainfall, resulted in the death of a cab driver and injuries to several others.
In response, Minister Naidu visited the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) to evaluate the situation and review passenger handling procedures. All departing flights have been redirected to Terminals 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) following the closure of T1.
Naidu held a meeting with senior officials from various aviation bodies, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), and airline representatives.
During the meeting, Naidu emphasised the necessity of maintaining the highest safety standards for passengers during this transition period. He reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers.
The DGCA has set up war rooms to facilitate close coordination between DIAL and the airlines, ensuring timely communication and addressing any challenges due to the increased passenger volume at T2 and T3.
Naidu highlighted the critical need for effective communication and coordination to manage the situation efficiently. "The DGCA confirmed the activation of war rooms, facilitating close coordination between DIAL and the airlines," Naidu mentioned in a post on X. This coordination is expected to help mitigate any operational disruptions and enhance passenger experience.
An FIR has been lodged by Delhi Police under sections related to death by negligence, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the roof collapse. Meanwhile, authorities continue debris removal and a full structural assessment of T1.
The terminal remains closed until further notice. To prevent similar incidents in the future, Naidu announced the involvement of a special team from IIT Delhi’s structural engineering department for an initial inspection. He also instructed airlines to avoid any abnormal surge in airfare.
"We don’t want a similar incident to happen again, so we have asked for inspection reports from all airports across the country within 2-5 days. Based on these reports, we will take necessary actions to prevent such incidents," Naidu stated.
The minister’s proactive measures reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining smooth airport operations amidst the crisis.
As authorities work diligently to restore normalcy, passengers are advised to stay updated on flight schedules and follow instructions provided by airport authorities and airlines.
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