Anil Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Group. File
| Photo Credit: PAUL NORONHA
The Maharashtra authorities would quickly reclaim the Latur, Osmanabad, Nanded, Yavatmal, and Baramati airports that have been awarded to Reliance Airport Development in August 2009 for development.
“Around 2009, some airports were given to Reliance for development for 30 years. However, due to the lack of progress in developing these airports, the State government is considering taking them back from the company. Works in Nanded and Latur airports have come to a complete halt,” Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis knowledgeable the State Assembly on Friday.
Anil Ambani-led Reliance Airport Development had additionally failed to clear its dues, main the State authorities to search the opinion of the Advocate General to expedite the decision.
“The company is not paying statutory dues. We will take AG’s opinion and find a solution,” acknowledged Mr. Fadnavis.
To guarantee efficient airport administration, an authority shall be established, and a choice on the matter shall be made inside the subsequent three months, he instructed the House.
Reliance Airport Development emerged as the best bidder, securing the mission for all 5 airports with a bid of ₹63 crore in an public sale carried out by the earlier Congress-Nationalist Congress Party authorities in 2009 to improve air connectivity in Maharashtra.
Addressing the challenges of regional air connectivity, Mr. Fadnavis identified that Mumbai Airport, being the busiest within the nation with over 700 flights taking off and touchdown, poses scheduling challenges for regional connectivity flights throughout prime hours, that are within the early mornings.
He mentioned, “We can’t have an afternoon flight from Yavatmal, as people who want to come to Mumbai from there need morning flights. Regional airports require connectivity during prime hours, which is in the mornings or during night wherever it is permitted else it is not viable. However, during those hours, Mumbai Airport is highly congested. Once the Navi Mumbai Airport is operational next year, it will resolve all issues related to regional connectivity.”
