A high-level expert committee, including structural engineers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, will investigate the recent roof collapse incident at Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal-1, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA) informed the Delhi High Court on Monday. The committee’s formation follows a tragic incident on June 28, where one person lost their life and eight others were injured due to the collapse.
The MCA’s announcement was made during a court hearing on a petition filed by the Civil Society Council of India. The petition called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident, highlighting concerns over the quality of construction, project approvals, and clearances from civil agencies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Similar roof collapses at Jabalpur and Rajkot airports due to relentless rainfall have heightened concerns about the safety and structural integrity of airport facilities.
Standing counsel Ravi Prakash, representing the MCA, informed the bench of Acting Chief Justice and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela that the Delhi Police had registered a First Information Report (FIR) under sections 337 (causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The police are actively investigating the case.
The petition also criticized the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for focusing primarily on airside safety rather than maintaining or inspecting terminal buildings. It noted that Fire & Life Safety norms outlined in the National Building Code of India 2005, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards, were reportedly not followed, leading to the canopy collapse that crushed several cabs in the departure lane of IGI Airport.
In response to the court’s concerns, the MCA, represented by advocates Ali Khan and Isha Kanth, disclosed that airport operators have been directed to conduct a Third Party Audit of the structural stability of airport buildings and infrastructure. This audit, to be carried out by a reputed Government Institution or Body, will thoroughly evaluate civil, electrical, and technical aspects, including the design, specifications, and workmanship of the roof sheeting structure, before the onset of the monsoon each year.
Given these proactive measures, the court decided to close the petition, acknowledging the steps initiated by the MCA. The court’s order stated, “In view of the steps that have been initiated by the respondent, the present writ petition is closed.”
Sources By Agencies