Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to West Bengal’s Nadia district faced a delay on Friday after his helicopter was unable to land due to dense fog and poor visibility. Officials said the chopper hovered over the Taherpur helipad for some time before being forced to return to Kolkata airport as landing conditions remained unsafe.
The Prime Minister had arrived in Kolkata at around 10.40 am and was scheduled to fly by helicopter to Taherpur, located about 100 kilometres from the state capital. However, persistent fog in the region disrupted the aerial travel plan.
According to officials, PM Modi waited at Kolkata airport after the helicopter returned. Authorities are now assessing whether weather conditions may improve enough for another attempt to fly him to Taherpur or whether he will proceed to the venue by road.
PM Modi is scheduled to launch several highway development projects in West Bengal during his visit. Following the project inauguration, he is also slated to address a BJP rally titled “Parivartan Sankalpa Sabha” in Taherpur.
Dense winter fog has been affecting flight operations across parts of eastern India in recent days, leading to delays and diversions. Officials said further updates on the Prime Minister’s travel plans will be issued once a final decision is taken based on weather conditions.