A minor mishap occurred during President Droupadi Murmu ’s Kerala visit on Wednesday morning when her helicopter encountered a landing issue at Pramadam Stadium in Pathanamthitta district. The incident happened after a section of the helipad surface caved in slightly under the helicopter’s weight.
The helicopter made a safe landing around 9:05 a.m., but its tyres sank slightly into the freshly laid concrete just after the President disembarked. Officials quickly intervened, and the aircraft was later pushed out of the soft surface by police and Fire & Rescue Services personnel.
The President was en route to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala when the issue occurred. Security and fire department personnel acted swiftly, manually moving the chopper’s wheels to stable ground and ensuring the President’s safety. Visuals from the site showed officers working together to steady the aircraft.
President Droupadi Murmu ’s 4-Day Visit to Kerala
President Murmu arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday evening for a four-day official visit to Kerala. Early Wednesday, she travelled to Pathanamthitta by helicopter before proceeding to Pamba, the foothills of Sabarimala.
Officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) confirmed that all arrangements were in place for her pilgrimage. The President will reach Sannidhanam in a convoy of five four-wheel-drive vehicles and an ambulance via the Swami Ayyappan Road and the traditional trekking path. Security has been significantly tightened, with a convoy rehearsal held in advance.
Following the darshan, the President will return to Thiruvananthapuram later in the evening.
Last-Minute Change in Landing Site
According to police sources, Pramadam Stadium was selected as the landing site at the last minute due to unfavourable weather conditions at Nilackal, the initially planned location near Pamba. The helipad was constructed hastily on Tuesday night, which may have contributed to the surface subsidence.
Authorities confirmed that the President’s travel continued smoothly by road after the incident and that her itinerary remains unchanged.
Police have assured that the matter will be reviewed to prevent similar issues in the future.
