Wed Oct 22 04:53:55 UTC 2025: Summary:

President Droupadi Murmu’s helicopter briefly became stuck in freshly laid concrete at a helipad in Pramadam, Kerala, while en route to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. The incident occurred after a safe landing and did not delay the President, who continued her journey by road. The helipad was completed shortly before her arrival, and the landing site was changed due to inclement weather. The helicopter was later freed. The President proceeded with her planned rituals at Pampa and Sabarimala, with pilgrim access restricted during her visit.

News Article:

President Murmu’s Helicopter Briefly Stuck During Kerala Temple Visit

PATHANAMTHITTA, KERALA – October 22, 2025 – President Droupadi Murmu’s journey to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala experienced a brief hiccup this morning when the helicopter carrying her became temporarily lodged in freshly laid concrete upon landing at a newly constructed helipad in Pramadam, near Pathanamthitta.

The helicopter made a safe landing around 9:05 a.m. at the Pramadam Indoor Stadium, but its tires sank slightly into the soft surface shortly after the President disembarked. Despite the incident, President Murmu was unharmed and continued her journey to Pampa by road without any delays.

“The President’s safety was never compromised,” stated an official source. “The helipad was completed just hours before her arrival, and the unexpected softness of the surface caused the minor incident.”

Originally scheduled to land at Nilackal, the landing site was changed due to adverse weather conditions in the area.

Local police and fire and rescue services personnel successfully dislodged the stranded helicopter. President Murmu proceeded with her planned rituals, including a traditional cleansing ceremony at Pampa and prayers at the Ganapathy Temple. She is scheduled to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine later today after ascending the 18 holy steps.

Pilgrim access to the temple has been restricted beyond Nilackal until the President completes her visit and departs.

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