Government Orders Third-Party Audits to Ensure Safety of Airport Infrastructure
The government has demanded that all airport operators conduct third-party audits to assess the structural stability of airport buildings and associated infrastructure. This announcement comes in the wake of several roof collapse incidents at different airports in the country. The recent collapse of a portion of the roof at Terminal-1 of Delhi airport has prompted the authorities to take immediate action.
A String of Roof Collapse Incidents at Multiple Airports
The directive followed incidents where the forecourt canopy at Terminal 1D of Delhi airport collapsed during heavy rains on June 28, and non-structural elements of the canopy were damaged at Jabalpur and Rajkot airports on June 27 and 29 respectively. These incidents have raised concerns about the structural integrity of airport buildings and highlighted the need for stringent checks.
Committee of Structural Engineers to Assess Delhi Airport Incident
To address the issue, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has formed a high-level expert committee consisting of structural engineers from IIT Delhi. This committee will investigate the incidence of the roof collapse at the Delhi airport and provide a comprehensive report. The report will guide the proactive measures that are to be implemented to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Third-Party Audits and Stringent Evaluation Measures
As part of the government’s proactive approach to ensuring the safety of airport infrastructure, all airport operators are mandated to carry out third-party audits of the structural stability. Reputed institutions like IITs, NITs, CBRI, and EIL will conduct these audits. The audits will involve thorough evaluations of civil, electrical, and technical aspects of the buildings, including the design, specifications, and workmanship of roof structures. These evaluations will take place before the onset of the monsoon season every year.
Continued Surveillance and Spot Inspections for Compliance
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will continue its regular surveillance and spot inspections to ensure that airport operators comply with the mandated standards. This continuous monitoring mechanism will help identify any potential gaps in safety measures, ensuring that corrective actions are taken promptly.
Investigations Initiated to Identify Root Causes
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, has revealed that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has initiated investigations to determine the root causes of the roof collapse incidents at Jabalpur and Rajkot airports. The aim is to identify any underlying issues that may have contributed to these incidents and take necessary steps to prevent their recurrence.
A Focus on Expenditure and Safety
The Minister clarified that the expenditure on Repair and Maintenance (R&M) of airports has increased, apart from the disrupted periods caused by the COVID pandemic. He noted that relating R&M expenditure to revenue is not an appropriate metric for assessing trends over time due to various factors that may influence both revenue generation and maintenance costs.
Enhancing Resilience and Reliability
The government’s proactive measures, including mandatory third-party audits and annual evaluations, are aimed at enhancing the structural stability and safety of airport infrastructure across the country. These steps have been taken as part of a broader effort to build resilience and reliability in the face of growing demands and environmental challenges. With these initiatives in place, travelers can have greater confidence in the safety of the nation’s airports.
