PM Modi’s Helicopter Returns to Kolkata Due to Fog
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s helicopter was forced to return to Kolkata on Sunday after encountering dense fog during his scheduled flight to Taherpur in West Bengal. The decision was taken on safety grounds after visibility conditions deteriorated significantly in the early morning hours, making continued flying unsafe.
Change in plan during West Bengal visit
Modi was beginning a day of engagements in West Bengal, which included inaugurations and public events. The helicopter, part of the official PM fleet, had taken off from Kolkata but encountered heavy fog near the flight path to Taherpur, a town in the Nadia district. Pilots opted to abort the journey and return to the base at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.
Local meteorological reports had forecast dense fog across parts of eastern India, including West Bengal, on Sunday morning. The reduced visibility impacted not only the Prime Minister’s itinerary but also led to delays and operational adjustments at Kolkata airport for several domestic flights.
Safety prioritized by officials
Officials accompanying the Prime Minister said the decision was made strictly due to safety concerns, with navigation becoming difficult in low visibility. Modi’s schedule was adjusted, and he continued with other engagements in the city later in the day, including meetings with local leaders and reviews of development projects.
Weather impact on travel in the region
Fog remains common in the region during winter months, occasionally disrupting air travel and ground transportation. Aviation authorities monitor weather conditions closely, and pilots are instructed to reroute or delay flights when visibility falls below safe operating thresholds. Passengers at Kolkata airport on Sunday experienced similar disruptions, although most commercial flights resumed once conditions improved.
