Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Friday said the roof that collapsed at Delhi airport's Terminal 1, killing one person and injuring four others, was constructed during 2008-09.
Naidu's remark came after the Congress alleged that the roof that collapsed was part of the expanded Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March this yea
"I want to clarify that the building inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi is on the other side and the building that collapsed here is an old building and was opened in 2009," Naidu, who took stock of the situation at Delhi airport, said.
Government sources said the construction of the affected roof was contracted out by GMR Airports Limited to private contractors.
The collapse of a portion of the canopy of Delhi airport's Terminal-1 came as heavy rain pounded the national capital on Friday.
The Union Minister said a nationwide audit would be conducted and announced compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the deceased and Rs 3 lakh for the injured.
"All flights scheduled to depart from T1 till 2 pm have been cancelled. Passengers will receive full refunds or have the option to rebook on alternative flights and routes. Flights scheduled to depart after 2 pm will be operated from T2 and T3," he said in a statement.
"We express our condolences to the life that has been lost in this tragic incident. We immediately sent the emergency response team, the fire safety team and also the CISF and NDRF teams. Everyone was available at the site, and they have done thorough inspection so that no other casualties are there," the minister further said.
The incident came as Delhi recorded 228.1 mm of rain in the past 24 hours in one of the wettest spells the capital has recorded in June.
Waterlogging was reported in several parts of the national capital, with visuals showing vehicles being submerged under flyovers.
