President Droupadi Murmu’s helicopter landing in Kerala made headlines after a newly constructed helipad sank under the chopper’s weight, prompting police and fire service personnel to assist in freeing the aircraft. The incident occurred during her visit to the Sabarimala temple on October 22, 2025, and raised questions about last-minute infrastructure decisions and safety protocols.
Helipad Incident Details
A freshly concreted helipad at Pramadam, near the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Pathanamthitta, collapsed when the Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter carrying President Murmu landed for her scheduled Sabarimala visit. Depressions formed where the wheels touched, leaving the chopper stuck. The helipad was constructed overnight due to a last-minute change in the landing site from Nilackal, which was impacted by bad weather. The concrete had not fully set, resulting in the surface sinking as the helicopter landed.
Response and Rescue
After landing, President Murmu continued by road to Pamba, the foothills of Sabarimala. Meanwhile, several policemen and fire force personnel pushed the chopper’s wheels out of the depressions so the helicopter could safely depart. No injuries or damage to the helicopter or its occupants were reported. Authorities clarified that the impromptu switch in location made it impossible to allow the concrete enough time to fortify and cure, causing the collapse.
President Murmu's Kerala Visit Highlights
President Murmu is the first woman head of state to visit the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala, and only the second president at the temple after VV Giri.
Her itinerary in Kerala includes the unveiling of former President KR Narayanan’s bust, inaugurating centenary celebrations of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt, and attending various college jubilees in Kottayam and Ernakulam districts.
The Kerala visit will conclude on October 24, 2025, with celebrations at St Teresa’s College in Ernakulam.
Infrastructure Challenges and Lessons
The incident highlights the risks associated with hurried infrastructure adjustments for high-profile events. Experts noted that proper curing of concrete is essential for safety—especially when heavy aircraft are involved. The decision to relocate the landing site due to weather presented an unavoidable but risky situation, underscoring the importance of contingency planning in official protocols.
President Murmu’s visit proceeded as planned, with safety measures promptly enacted to address the helipad issue. The event serves as a reminder of the complexities of coordinating high-security, weather-dependent tours and the need for robust emergency infrastructure planning.