RAINWATER leakage has been reported at the new terminal building of Dumna Airport, built at a cost of around Rs 450 crore. Water dripping near the main entrance made the floor wet and slippery, forcing the airport management to close the main gate for passenger safety. Passengers were diverted through another gate. A warning board saying, ‘Caution! Floor is wet. Please walk carefully,’ was placed near the entrance. P a s s e n g e r s faced inconvenience while entering and leaving the terminal during the rain. Airport officials informed that rainwater had accumulated in the canopy. Repair work is c u r r e n t l y u n d e r w a y . They said the main gate has been temporarily closed and passengers are being allowed to use the alternate gate for their safety and convenience.

 

The incident has raised questions about the quality of construction at the newly-built terminal.  Meanwhile local social organisations have demanded a high level inquiry and technical audit of the airport building and its facilities. Senior office-bearers of the organisations said an airport creates the first impression of a city for visitors. They questioned how water leakage and slippery floors could occur despite an investment of around Rs 450 crore. The terminal canopy had also faced problems earlier. On June 27, 2024, a portion of the fabric canopy in the drop-and-go area collapsed during heavy rain. It fell on a parked car and damaged it. The occupants had entered the terminal minutes earlier, narrowly escaping a major accident. The latest incident has once again raised concerns over the durability and maintenance of the airport’s infrastructure.