New terminal will need upgrade

Parts of the roof of terminal 1D of Delhi airport blew off during rain and squall on Friday because it wasn't constructed to withstand a wind force of 92 kmph.

Parts of the roof of terminal 1D of Delhi airport blew off during rain and squall on Friday because it wasn't constructed to withstand a wind force of 92 kmph.

HT Image

The Rs 500 crore terminal opened three months ago. It will now have to be upgraded to stand ground in adverse weather.

“The roof was designed keeping in mind the highest wind speed witnessed in the last 50 years. We would now have to design the roof for a higher threshold of wind load,” said Hafeez Contractor, the renowned architect who designed the building.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to fix accountability and suggest appropriate action within two months.

The DGCA would also suggest remedial action to prevent such incidents in the future and suggest measures to keep a tab on development, operation and maintenance of new airports, including expansion of existing ones.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit visited terminal 1D on Saturday to see the extent of damage to roof sheet and inspect restoration work.

Though flight operations resumed at the terminal on Saturday, the ravages of Friday were still visible with water leaking from the roof and damaged portions hanging out.

Private airport operator DIAL. too has formed a committee to suggest remedial measures.