President's Helicopter Stuck in Uncured Concrete in Kerala

President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Kerala was marked by an embarrassing logistical failure on Wednesday. The helicopter carrying her for a pilgrimage to Sabarimala became stuck on its landing pad. The incident occurred when the wheels of the aircraft sank into a freshly laid concrete helipad that was not fully cured. The location was the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Pramadam.

Last-Minute Change Led to Hasty Work

The incident was a direct result of a last-minute diversion. According to a senior police official, the President's landing was originally scheduled for Nilackal, near Pamba. However, inclement weather forced officials to change the plan. This decision required the rapid construction of a new helipad at the stadium.

The helipad was reportedly laid late on Tuesday evening, just hours before the President's scheduled arrival on Wednesday morning. Officials confirmed that the concrete had not been given adequate time to set and harden. When the helicopter landed, the surface could not withstand the aircraft's weight. The wheels immediately created depressions in the soft concrete, immobilizing the aircraft.

Staff Manually Frees the Aircraft

President Murmu was unharmed and proceeded with her four-day official visit. She left the stadium by road to continue her journey to Pamba. After her departure, television channels broadcast striking visuals from the scene. The footage showed dozens of policemen and fire force personnel manually pushing the heavy helicopter. They were working to dislodge its wheels from the damaged, uncured concrete. The incident highlighted the significant challenges posed by last-minute changes to high-security travel itineraries.

Image Source: Udayavani