Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s helicopter was forced to return to Kolkata Airport on Saturday after two aborted landing attempts in Nadia district due to dense fog and poor visibility, official sources said.
The chopper had totake a U-turn to DumDum Airport on early Saturday morning due to thick fog and minimized visibility.
PM Modi was scheduled to land at Taherpur to attend a public rally in Ranaghat to hold the ‘Parivartan Sankalpa Sabha’ ahead of 2026 Bengal Elections. However, adverse weather conditions in the area prevented the helicopter from making a safe landing. Following standard aviation safety protocols, the pilot aborted the attempt and flew back to Kolkata.
Despite the disruption to his travel plans, the Prime Minister addressed the rally through an audio message. In his address, he conveyed his regrets over being unable to reach the venue in person and thanked party workers and supporters for gathering in large numbers despite the weather conditions.
“I could not reach there due to bad weather conditions. The landing situation was not ideal so I am forced to address you over audio message,” PM Modi said during his address to attendees in Taherpur, Nadia.
Tensions flared in the early hours near Taherpur Railway Station after Train No. 31814, the Krishnanagar–Sealdah local, ran over a group of men, resulting in three fatalities and leaving several others critically injured. The injured were rushed to Krishnanagar Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.
“I also heard that people coming to attend the rally lost their lives in a tragic train accident. My condolences are with their families,” the PM added.
Officials said the decision to return was taken purely in the interest of safety, as visibility in and around Taherpur had dropped significantly due to heavy fog. The event venue witnessed tight security arrangements, and the rally proceeded without incident.
The incident briefly delayed the Prime Minister’s on-ground engagements in the region, but his message was broadcast to the audience at the venue, ensuring that the programme continued as planned.
