2013-16: 67 mishaps and counting at terminal of Kamraj domestic airport

Chennai: When a glass ceiling at the then brand new terminal of the Kamraj domestic airport here fell on May 12, 2013 – exactly 19 days after the swanky premises was thrown open – everyone thought it would be a one-off incident and steps would be taken to prevent such mishaps.

However, falling of glass ceiling and huge granite tiles inside and outside the terminal buildings of both the domestic and international airports has become the order of the day. From April 23, 2013 – the day the airport was thrown opened for public use – till this day, 67 such incidents have taken place, though the Airport Authority of India, which manages the airport, puts the number at 44.

Though there have no fatal or major incidents of injury to passengers, the new terminals continue to pose threat to the people who use it. AAI and officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation continue to dodge questions from the media and the general public on the steps being taken to prevent such incidents.

A public dressing down from civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and a strong-worded notice from the National Human Rights Commission have also failed in moving the airport administration, which seems to be in denial. Instead of taking remedial measures, the AAI has been shifting the blame to fliers’ saying injuries to people were caused due to accidental breakages of the glasses in which the individuals were cause of such accidents and sustained very minor injury.

“We are just fortunate enough. Nothing has happened so far. The falling of these ceilings and granites has scared the passengers enough. The AAI and other stakeholders seem to not bother about the mishaps and continue with their work as usual,” a frequent flier said.

Two Aviation Ministers – K C Venugopal and Mr Raju – visited the airport along with officials to study the cause of such incidents, but nothing has come out of those visits and reports.

AAI officials have constantly denied reports and suggestions that there was a structural fault, saying “minor incidents” have been blown out of proportions.

The construction of the new terminal itself was caught in a controversy when it was opened nearly three years after the deadline had passed. Initially planned to be built at a cost of Rs 1,800 crore, the terminal buildings were built at an escalated cost of Rs 2,200 crore.