In response to a series of recent structural failures-including canopy collapses-at airport terminals across the country, the Indian government has initiated a nationwide mandate for third-party structural audits of all airport infrastructure. The move is aimed at ensuring the safety and longevity of steel-intensive terminal components, especially facades, canopy frameworks, and load-bearing superstructures that are vulnerable to corrosion and structural fatigue.
The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) has been appointed as the nodal agency for technical guidance. CBRI will support audits by offering standardised protocols and reviewing reports submitted by third-party engineers. These evaluations will assess critical aspects such as weld joint integrity, corrosion in steel members, fatigue stresses, and seismic resilience-especially for airport terminals designed using steel-reinforced architectural systems.
As per the directive, all airport operators-both public and private-must carry out periodic structural audits, with immediate effect. Priority has been placed on facilities that are over a decade old or have reported visible signs of wear, especially those located in high-rainfall or coastal zones where corrosion rates are typically higher. Operators failing to comply risk regulatory penalties or operational restrictions until safety clearances are met.
This new audit framework reflects a growing recognition of the critical role that steel structures play in modern airport design, where large-span canopies and prefabricated steel facades are favored for their aesthetic and modular benefits. However, without ongoing structural maintenance, such elements can pose serious safety risks.
Experts believe this mandate will not only help restore public confidence in India’s aviation infrastructure but also reinforce the importance of material oversight and preventive maintenance in large-scale steel constructions.
