Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 24 July 2023
The recently inaugurated Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport found itself embroiled in controversy after a video of a dislocated ceiling outside the ticket counters went viral on social media. The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with netizens questioning the quality of construction, just days after its grand inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18th July 2023.
The video, which captured a part of the false ceiling hanging precariously and a ceiling board fallen on the floor, sparked outrage among social media users. Many expressed concern over the safety of passengers and the standard of the newly constructed terminal.
In response to the mounting criticism, the Airports Authority of India quickly swung into action, and the ceiling was repaired on a war footing. An official statement from the authority explained that the ceiling had been intentionally loosened for CCTV adjustments and final alignment. Unfortunately, a bout of heavy winds on the night of 22nd July caused the ceiling to uplift from the bottom, as the ticketing counter area didn’t allow the wind to escape properly. Consequently, about 10 square meters of the false ceiling was dislocated, while the ceiling inside the terminal building remained unaffected.
Fortunately, the repairs to the ceiling were promptly completed by the evening of 23rd July 2023, restoring the airport’s functionality and aesthetics.
While the Airports Authority of India’s explanation has shed light on the incident, the public remains vigilant, urging authorities to conduct thorough checks and ensure that such issues are adequately addressed to prevent any future mishaps.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the incident serves as a stark reminder for officials overseeing infrastructure projects to prioritise safety and quality standards, especially when it comes to critical public facilities like airports.