‘Vikas overflows!’ Congress takes a jab as Delhi Airport’s tensile fabric tears amid heavy rain | WATCH

New Delhi: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1 faced another embarrassing moment on Sunday morning when a section of its external tensile fabric tore apart under heavy rain, causing water to gush into the arrival forecourt. The incident was caught on camera and quickly went viral on social media, sparking public outrage and renewed concerns about the airport’s infrastructure.

Amid the backlash, the Congress party criticised the ruling government, posting the viral video on its X handle with a sharp caption: “Vikas overflows in Delhi Airport after a drizzle.” The pointed comment mocked the government’s oft-repeated claim of development (vikas), implying that the infrastructure fails even in moderate weather conditions.

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), however, sought to downplay the incident, stating that the tear in the fabric was a “natural response” to extreme weather designed to prevent waterlogging.

This incident comes just a year after a tragic canopy collapse at the same terminal due to heavy rain, which killed one person and injured others, raising serious questions about safety measures and maintenance at the airport.

Delhi weather update:

The weather on Sunday was marked by thunderstorms and strong gusty winds up to 50 kmph, as forecasted by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The rough conditions forced the diversion of 49 flights, including 17 international flights, disrupting passenger travel during the early hours.

In a timely advisory, Delhi Airport urged passengers to stay updated with flight statuses and assured that on-ground teams were working hard to manage the situation smoothly.

While officials insist the fabric tear posed no structural risk, the incident and Congress’s pointed remarks have reignited debates about the government’s accountability in maintaining critical infrastructure and ensuring passenger safety.