Bhubaneswar: Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was stranded for hours Friday in Bhubaneswar as his chopper could not take off due to inclement weather.
He was scheduled to leave for Rourkela Friday to inaugurate a technology incubation centre at the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela.
However, he had to cancel his engagements Friday as he could not reach Rourkela.
His chopper could not take off in the afternoon from Bhubaneswar Airport due to `low visibility`.
"The weather was certainly hazy today. Every flight operator has their own requirement," said Sanjay Jain, the director of the Biju Pattnaik Airport of Bhubaneswar.
"The programmes have been postponed," said Diptesh Pattnaik, superintendent of police.
As per the official schedule, Kalam was to lay the foundation stone of a technology incubation centr at the NIT, Rourkela. In the evening he was to interact with students of Sundergarh District Science Exhibition and meet the guest members at NIT, Rourkela.
The former president was also scheduled to receive D.Sc. from the NIT at the 7th Convocation ceremony Saturday.
IANS
