Odisha CM Majhi's Flight Diverted To Kolkata Due To Inclement Weather

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi encountered an unexpected detour on Friday morning when his flight, en route from Delhi to Bhubaneswar, was forced to divert to Kolkata due to adverse weather conditions. The incident highlights the challenges posed by unpredictable monsoon patterns in eastern India, where heavy rainfall can disrupt air travel and daily operations.

Majhi, who had been on a five-day official tour to the national capital, was anticipated to touch down at Biju Patnaik International Airport around 9:45 a.m., but inclement weather thwarted the landing, prompting aviation authorities to prioritise safety and reroute the aircraft. This event serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in regional connectivity during the rainy season, often leading to temporary inconveniences for high-profile travellers and the public alike.

According to Odisha's Urban Development Minister K. C. Mohapatra, the flight was unable to land at Bhubaneswar due to the severe weather, necessitating the diversion. Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan provided further details, explaining that the plane circled the airport for approximately 21 minutes amidst torrential rains before the decision was made to redirect it to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.

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Majhi's Delhi visit was focused on key developmental discussions, including meetings with central government officials to secure funding for infrastructure projects, disaster management initiatives, and economic growth strategies for Odisha. As the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, which came to power in June 2024, Majhi has been actively engaging with national leaders to address state-specific issues like poverty alleviation, industrial development, and agricultural reforms.

The flight diversion, while minor in the grand scheme, temporarily interrupted his return and subsequent engagements, reflecting the unpredictable nature of travel in a monsoon-prone area.

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