The dream of air connectivity for Malkangiri district continues to falter as yet another section of the airport’s boundary wall collapsed following heavy rains.
The 50-meter-long wall, part of the 16.2-meter-high perimeter, gave way—damaging internal roads and raising serious concerns about construction quality and accountability.
This is not the first such incident. Earlier, a 100-meter stretch had collapsed, resulting in the death of two workers and injuries to three others. Despite multiple reconstructions, the wall has failed repeatedly, yet no action has been taken against the contractors or officials involved.
The airport, inaugurated on January 9 last year, was envisioned as a gateway to economic, tourism, and trade development for the region. While the runway and terminal are reportedly complete, key infrastructure like fire safety units, ticket counters, and an independent electricity supply remain unfinished. The boundary wall continues to crumble, and the site lacks air traffic control and fire safety systems.
Local residents and experts are now questioning whether the airport was built for public benefit or as a political showpiece ahead of elections. The absence of DGCA clearance further fuels doubts about its operational legitimacy.
District Collector Somesh Upadhyay recently visited the site and instructed officials to expedite completion. However, without accountability and structural integrity, the airport remains a symbol of broken promises.
