Helicopter Carrying President Droupadi Murmu Sinks Slightly into Fresh Helipad Concrete in Kerala
Minor Mishap During President Droupadi Murmu’s Sabarimala Visit
A minor incident occurred on Wednesday morning in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, when the helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu experienced a soft landing issue at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Pramadam. The helicopter’s wheels sank into freshly laid concrete on the temporary helipad prepared late Tuesday night.
Concrete Not Fully Set Before Landing
Officials confirmed that the helipad had been constructed at the last minute after inclement weather forced a change in the President’s landing spot from Nilakkal to Pramadam. As the concrete had not fully cured, it was unable to bear the helicopter’s full weight upon landing, resulting in small depressions under the wheels.
#WATCH | Kerala: A portion of the helipad tarmac sank in after a chopper carrying President Droupdi Murmu landed at Pramadam Stadium. Police and fire department personnel deployed at the spot physically pushed the helicopter out of the sunken spot. pic.twitter.com/QDmf28PqIb
— ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2025
Police and Fire Force personnel, assisted by security teams, were seen pushing the helicopter to free its wheels shortly after landing. The helicopter was successfully moved without any damage or risk, and President Murmu continued her journey by road to Pamba as planned.
#Kerala: President #DroupadiMurmu’s #Sabarimala visit: Helicopter tires got stuck in fresh concrete at Pramadam Helipad, no damage reported.
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 22, 2025
A minor mishap occurred on Wednesday morning when the tires of the helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu got stuck in freshly laid… pic.twitter.com/yoMw8MMrEQ
President Droupadi Murmu’s Sabarimala Schedule
President Murmu began her day at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram at 7:25 a.m. and reached Pramadam around 9:05 a.m. After the brief landing setback, she traveled to Pamba via road and then proceeded to Sannidhanam for a revered darshan at the Lord Ayyappa temple.
At Sannidhanam, Thantri Kandar Mahesh Mohanar received her with a traditional kumbh ritual. The President carried the sacred Irumudikettu, ascended the 18 holy steps, and offered prayers at the temple by 11:50 a.m.
Following the visit, President Murmu was set to rest at a specially arranged guest house in the temple complex before her return journey to Thiruvananthapuram. All her meals during the temple visit were prepared by staff from Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Security and Travel Arrangements in Place
Due to the President’s visit, authorities imposed temporary restrictions on pilgrim movement beyond Nilakkal until her return. Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan and other senior officials were present at the helipad to receive her.
Despite the brief technical glitch at the Pramadam helipad, the President’s schedule proceeded smoothly, and her helicopter sustained no damage. The incident highlighted the challenges of temporary infrastructure setup under tight schedules, especially during high-profile visits.
