'There can be no better tribute': Gujarat Health Minister on rebuilding the AI-171 crash site
Gandhinagar/Ahmedabad, June 11 As Gujarat prepares to mark the first anniversary of the Air India AI-171 crash on Friday, the state government has reaffirmed plans to redevelop the site where the aircraft struck the hostel complex of B.J. Medical College, with a seven-block accommodation facility for medical students proposed at the location.
The anniversary will also be observed with a prayer meeting at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for those who lost their lives in the disaster.
The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12 last year, killing 260 people, including passengers, crew members and people on the ground, after the aircraft struck the medical college hostel complex.
It remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India in recent decades.
In an interview with IANS ahead of the anniversary, State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said the state had decided that education should remain at the heart of the site's future use.
Recalling discussions held under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, he said: "One opinion emerged...that the sacred mission of education should continue there. Keeping educational activities running at that place would be the most meaningful and sacred work."
Pansheriya said the damaged structures would be demolished and replaced with seven new buildings for medical students, complete with dining and hostel facilities.
"The government has decided to demolish the old buildings at the site because they have all become dilapidated. In their place, seven new buildings will be constructed to accommodate medical students, along with a mess and dining facilities," he said.
He added that thousands of future doctors would study there and go on to serve patients.
"A true tribute to those who lost their lives would be to ensure that even more patients and sick people are served in the future," Pansheriya told IANS.
The redevelopment proposal was formally announced by the state government on May 27.
Pansheriya said a modern hostel complex with facilities including a mess, gymnasium, recreation areas and landscaped surroundings would be constructed at the site.
The project is expected to receive financial support from Tata Airlines, with additional funding from the state government.
Pansheriya also highlighted the response mounted by Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and forensic teams after the crash.
He said many victims could not be identified visually because of the severity of the impact and fire.
"The Forensic Department and the Civil Hospital immediately formed teams and worked day and night conducting DNA tests so that the bodies could be handed over to the families as quickly as possible," he said.
He praised doctors, forensic experts and hospital staff for carrying out identification work continuously and with sensitivity toward bereaved families.
On the eve of the anniversary, Pansheriya confirmed to IANS that a prayer meeting would be held at Civil Hospital.
"The Civil Hospital authorities asked me yesterday about organising a prayer meeting there. I immediately said that a prayer meeting should indeed be held," he said.
He added, "One year has passed, and we pray for peace for all the departed souls."
The anniversary comes as families continue to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding the crash, while compensation and investigation processes remain ongoing.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a medical student myself, I find this beautiful. Thousands of future doctors studying on that very ground, working hard to save lives – truly a way to honor those lost. It’s not about forgetting, it’s about turning tragedy into hope. The prayer meeting is also a lovely gesture. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
Interesting take by the minister. In Western countries, crash sites often become permanent memorials. But I guess India's approach is more practical – rebuilding for the living while remembering the dead. The DNA identification work they did sounds incredibly challenging, kudos to the medical teams for that effort.
260 people gone in a flash and we're talking about "modern hostels with gym and recreation areas"?? Sorry, but this feels disrespectful. Where is the compensation for families? Where is the full investigation report? Let's focus on accountability first, then talk about fancy buildings. 😠
My uncle was a passenger on that flight. I still remember the chaos that day... The hospital staff were truly heroes, working non-stop to identify bodies. The hostel rebuild idea – it's bittersweet. But if those future doctors save even one life, maybe that's the best tribute after all. Peace to all souls. 🕊️
I'm an aviation enthusiast and this crash shocked the world. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was supposed to be so safe. Glad to see Tata Airlines contributing financially – they have a responsibility given the airline's history. Let's hope the new buildings include a small memorial plaque at least. We should never
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.