During her four-day visit to Kerala, President Droupadi Murmu experienced an unexpected incident when her helicopter landed on a newly concreted helipad that partially gave way. The mishap took place at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Pramadam, Pathanamthitta district, where one of the helicopter’s wheels sank slightly into the soft surface moments after touchdown. Fortunately, the situation was swiftly brought under control by ground personnel, ensuring the President’s complete safety. The quick thinking of security officials and emergency response teams averted what could have been a much more serious situation.
Eyewitnesses at the site reported that the helicopter remained stable despite the wheel sinking, and the President stayed calm as the crew assessed the situation. Within minutes, members of the Kerala Police and the Fire and Rescue Department rushed forward to assist. They manually pushed the helicopter back to a more stable portion of the helipad, while engineers on the ground inspected the surface to check for structural cracks or instability. The prompt reaction prevented any damage to the aircraft and ensured that President Murmu’s itinerary remained unaffected.
Helicopter Helipad Mishap
The incident occurred around noon shortly after the President’s chopper, an Indian Air Force Mi-17, landed on the freshly laid concrete surface. Reports indicate that the helipad had been constructed only a day before the visit and the concrete had not yet fully cured, leading to the partial subsidence. The helicopter’s wheels left noticeable depressions on the surface, triggering concern among the officials present at the site. It was immediately decided to use manual assistance to reposition the helicopter safely away from the affected zone.
Videos of the event, which have since gone viral on social media, show several uniformed personnel working together to stabilize and push the helicopter. Though the incident looked alarming, it was handled with remarkable coordination and composure. There were no injuries or damage reported, and within minutes, the President was escorted away for her next engagement. The mishap highlighted both the unpredictable nature of field operations and the importance of thorough inspection before VIP landings.
Swift Response and Safety Measures
The on-ground response was immediate and effective. Personnel from the police, district administration, and fire department joined forces to assess the situation. They secured the landing zone, ensured there was no further sinking of the helipad, and verified that the aircraft could be safely maneuvered. Officials used stabilizing blocks and manual force to lift and reposition the helicopter slightly to firmer ground. This ensured that the aircraft could later take off without any further complications.
Meanwhile, a detailed inspection was initiated by the local public works department (PWD) to determine why the helipad surface failed. Preliminary findings suggested that the last-minute concrete work did not have sufficient time to set and harden before being used. Officials have assured that a full report will be submitted to the Governor’s office and the President’s security team, recommending stricter pre-flight checks for temporary helipad construction in the future.
President Murmu’s Kerala Visit
Despite the brief setback, President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Kerala has continued as scheduled. Her four-day trip, which began on October 21 and will conclude on October 24, includes several important cultural, religious, and educational engagements. Upon her arrival at Thiruvananthapuram Airport, she was warmly received by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Union Minister of State George Kurian. Both the Governor and Chief Minister expressed their gratitude for her visit and participation in key events across the state.
On October 22, the President is scheduled to visit the sacred Sabarimala Temple, where she will perform darshan and aarti. This marks the first time a sitting President of India will visit the temple, adding historical significance to her pilgrimage. Following her temple visit, she is expected to attend multiple events in Thiruvananthapuram and Varkala, including the unveiling of a bust of former President K.R. Narayanan at Raj Bhavan and the inauguration of the Mahasamadhi Centenary observance of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt.
Key Engagements and Celebrations
President Murmu’s itinerary also includes participation in various academic and cultural celebrations. On October 23, she will be the chief guest at the valedictory function of St. Thomas College’s Platinum Jubilee in Palai. Her final day in Kerala, October 24, will see her attend the centenary celebrations of St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam, where she will interact with faculty, students, and alumni. These visits underline her commitment to promoting education and women’s empowerment — themes that have defined her presidency.
In addition to public events, the President also met with a delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Kerala party president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Discussions reportedly focused on regional development and recent concerns such as the Sabarimala gold theft case. Her meetings and addresses throughout the visit are being closely followed by both local residents and national media, as they reflect the President’s continued engagement with social and cultural issues across the country.
Infrastructure Concerns and Public Reaction
The helipad incident has drawn sharp attention to the quality and readiness of infrastructure used during VIP movements. Questions are being raised about whether due diligence was followed during the construction of the temporary landing pad. Officials have hinted that the decision to use the Pramadam site was made only hours before the visit, due to changes in the President’s travel schedule caused by weather conditions. Engineers now face scrutiny for approving the helipad despite it being freshly concreted.
Public opinion on social media has been mixed — while some users criticized the local administration for poor planning, others praised the swift and calm response of the ground teams. Many commentators emphasized that the quick-thinking officials prevented what could have been a dangerous accident. The incident has sparked broader conversations about safety preparedness and infrastructure accountability, especially during high-level visits involving national leaders.
Significance of the Visit
Beyond the momentary scare, President Murmu’s Kerala tour holds deep symbolic and cultural value. Her visit to Sabarimala carries historical weight, as it represents the growing inclusivity of one of India’s most sacred temples. Her participation in centenary events for renowned figures such as Sree Narayana Guru and K.R. Narayanan also underscores her message of equality, social justice, and education for all. Each engagement reflects the President’s ongoing effort to connect with diverse communities and acknowledge Kerala’s rich spiritual and educational heritage.
As her schedule proceeds without disruption, the brief helicopter mishap serves as a reminder of both the unpredictability of field operations and the professionalism of those ensuring her safety. The Kerala government has assured that a review of helipad construction procedures will be conducted to prevent similar occurrences in the future. For now, the President continues to fulfill her engagements, receiving warm welcomes from citizens and leaders alike across the state.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
