Port Blair, July 24: CPI (M) has demanded a CBI investigation into the construction work of the new Terminal building of Port Blair International Airport and to book the officials and contractor firm involved in the corruption and poor quality of work directly or indirectly.  In a letter sent to Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, New Delhi, Secretary, CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee D. Ayyappan said that the new terminal building of the Port Blair International Airport was inaugurated online by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India at a function physically attended by the Minister of Civil Aviation himself and other dignitaries on 18th July, 2023.

Ayyappan stated in his letter that a portion of the ceiling of the newly inaugurated terminal building has caved in on 23rd July, 2023 to the disappointment of the islanders.   He further told the Minister that the local media in the islands, who were not invited to cover the inaugural function of the said terminal, has, however, got an opportunity to cover the damaged portion of the Terminal building.

Though the terminal building is yet to start operation reportedly due to pending minor interior works, the horrific scene of the ceiling of the terminal caved in has sent shock waves among the people here and the visiting tourists.  Had the Terminal began its operation with its inauguration, there would have been fatal accidents involving the passengers.  

Ayyappan told the Union Minister that it is shame on the Government of India and the agencies involved that a building which was constructed at a cost of around Rs. 750 crores (as appeared in the media) has become a safety risk for the islanders and the tourists visiting the islands. People here feel that a huge amount of tax payers’ money has been wasted due to the callous attitude on the part of the Airport Authority of India and other agencies involved in the supervision of the construction of the said terminal.  

CPI (M) told the Minister that the authorities responsible for supervision of the construction work, the contractor/firm who carried out the work, etc. are to be held responsible for this unfortunate incident and sheer wastage of government money. The incident happened after four days of the inauguration of the new terminal by the Prime Minister of India with much pomp and gaiety which speaks voluminous of the corruption and poor quality of work, etc of the terminal building. CPI (M) is of the view that a thorough investigation by the CBI may reveal the extent of corruption involved in the construction of the terminal building, cause of the damage and the criminal negligence on the part of the authorities involved in the supervision of the work. 

Ayyappan demanded that pending investigation by CBI, the contractor/ firm which constructed the new Terminal Building may be blacklisted immediately besides taking all possible measures to instill a sense of confidence among the islanders and visiting tourists.