Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu Clarifies Canopy At Delhi’s IGI Airport Built In 2009, Not Inaugurated By PM Modi

The collapse of the canopy at Terminal-1 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Friday has ignited a political firestorm, with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu clarifying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not inaugurate the structure built in 2009.

The minister further added that PM Modi inaugurated a different building, not Terminal 1. The Congress-led UPA government built and inaugurated the canopy.

Kharge Criticizes Modi Government For Infrastructure Failures

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge seized the opportunity to criticize the current administration.

In a post on X, Kharge posted, “Corruption and criminal negligence is responsible for the collapse of shoddy infrastructure falling like a deck of cards, in the past 10 years of Modi Govt.”

Kharge however listed several incidents to support his claims, including the roof collapse at Jabalpur airport, the poor condition of Ayodhya’s new roads, leakage in Ram Mandir, cracks in the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link road, and the collapse of 13 new bridges in Bihar in 2023 and 2024.

Meanwhile, he also mentioned the Pragati Maidan Tunnel submerging and the Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat.

In response, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu visited the site and assured the public of a thorough investigation.

“We have asked the Delhi International Airport Limited to do a verification and inspection from their side. But we are not leaving it up to them. From the Ministry, we have the DGCA, which underlooks the safety aspect and will supervise this inspection and submit its report. From the ministry side, I can assure you that this is taken as a serious issue, not just in this airport but all across the country, with similar structures.”

Kinjarapu also announced a nationwide inspection of airports. “We will conduct a thorough check on all the airports that come under our purview. We will make the necessary report and see if there is a requirement for an independent body for this.”

Earlier in the day, taking to X, Civil Aviation Minister posted, “Personally monitoring the roof collapse incident at T1 Delhi Airport. First responders are working at site. Also advised the airlines to assist all affected passengers at T1. Rescue operations are still ongoing.”

He further added, “Inspecting the T1 Terminal and reviewing with the officials. All required rescue operations are being conducted at the terminal.”

The incident, which occurred amid heavy rain, resulted in one fatality and injured eight others.

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