Amritsar, July 14
The newly-commissioned building of the Rajasansi International Airport has failed to survive the first storm and rainfall it faced, with the aluminum-coated protective (ACP) cover of the left decorative side of the arrival terminal bearing the brunt.
The strong winds also broke the windowpanes of Air Traffic Control (ATC) room. A pipe carrying rainwater from the new terminal also gave way; as water percolated to the new hall, which is to open shortly.
The Centre is spending Rs 144 crore on the Rajasansi airport upgrade, which has already been delayed by two years.
A piece of ACP blown away by strong winds was found 200 metres away. Though the air port authorities dismissed the damage as minimal, it exposed the flaws in the construction of the building, sources said.
The authorities have pegged the damage at Rs 11 lakh.
Airport Director Chinson VS Pimakal could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. Joint GM S.K. Purwar said the damage was minimal and the contractor will repair the building.
“There is no flaw in the construction of the building or its shape; strong winds up to 80 miles can cause such damage,” he added.
