President Murmu’s Helicopter Sinks into Freshly Laid Helipad During Kerala Visit
- MGMMTeam
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
During her official visit to Kerala on October 22, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu experienced an unexpected incident when her helicopter’s wheels sank into a freshly poured helipad at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Pramadam, Pathanamthitta district. The Mi-17 helicopter, operated by the Indian Air Force, had been redirected from its original landing site near Nilackal due to adverse weather conditions, forcing a last-minute landing on the newly constructed temporary helipad.
Incident Details
The helipad had been prepared just the previous night, and the concrete surface had not fully set. When the helicopter landed, the weight caused part of the helipad to sink, creating small depressions beneath its wheels. Local police and fire personnel responded immediately, manually assisting in moving the helicopter to a safer position. Fortunately, there were no injuries or major damage reported, and the President had already departed for Pamba, the foothills of the Sabarimala temple, by road when the incident occurred.
Response from Authorities
Kerala’s Director General of Police clarified that the incident did not compromise security. Emergency teams acted swiftly, ensuring that the aircraft was stabilized and that there was no risk to the President or others in the vicinity. The incident highlighted the challenges posed by temporary infrastructure and emphasized the need for thorough planning and execution, especially when accommodating high-profile dignitaries.
Implications for Infrastructure Planning
The mishap underscores the importance of ensuring that temporary construction projects, particularly helipads and other critical infrastructure, are fully prepared in advance of official visits. Completing construction with sufficient curing time and adhering to safety standards is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future. Officials are expected to review protocols and procedures to strengthen operational efficiency for upcoming events.
President Murmu’s Kerala Itinerary
Despite the helicopter incident, President Murmu continued her engagements in Kerala without disruption. Her visit included offering prayers at the Sabarimala temple, unveiling a bust of former President K.R. Narayanan at the Raj Bhavan, attending the Mahasamadhi Centenary celebrations of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, and participating in the valedictory function of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of St. Thomas College in Pala, Kottayam district.
The MGMM Outlook
During President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Kerala on October 22, 2025, an unusual incident occurred when her Mi-17 helicopter sank slightly into a freshly laid helipad at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Pramadam. The last-minute diversion from the original landing site, caused by adverse weather near Nilackal, led to the helicopter touching down on a concrete surface that had not fully set. While the prompt response from local police and fire personnel ensured no injuries or major damage, the mishap underscores the risks associated with temporary infrastructure and highlights the need for careful planning when accommodating high-profile dignitaries.
This event also serves as a reminder of the critical importance of operational readiness and safety standards in public projects. Even as President Murmu continued her scheduled engagements—offering prayers at Sabarimala, unveiling a bust of former President K.R. Narayanan, and participating in cultural and educational celebrations—the incident calls attention to how attention to detail in infrastructure and logistics is essential for smooth execution of official visits. Strengthening protocols and ensuring adequate preparation can prevent such incidents in the future while maintaining the dignity and security of state functions.
(Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, NDTV)
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