Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu recently confirmed that six airports in India have been leased to the Adani Group. The airports leased out are Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram. According to the Minister, the leasing process was carried out in a thorough, competitive, and transparent manner, ensuring that all procedures followed due diligence and fairness.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI), a state-owned entity, completed the leasing process for these airports as part of a broader effort to improve the efficiency and modernization of airport operations across the country. The Adani Group, a major player in infrastructure and aviation, won the bids for these airports, marking a significant step in their expanding role in India’s aviation sector.
However, the decision to lease multiple airports to the same entity has drawn some political controversy. Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy raised concerns in the Lok Sabha, pointing out that both Niti Aayog and the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) had expressed reservations about granting two airports to the same operator. These agencies had suggested that distributing the airports among different entities could ensure better competition and efficiency in operations.
Despite the concerns, the government has defended the decision, emphasizing that the leasing process was carried out following established guidelines, and the Adani Group’s involvement will enhance the overall quality and efficiency of airport operations. The government believes that the move will help boost the infrastructure and development of these airports, aligning with the broader goal of improving air travel experiences and connectivity in India.
The leasing of airports to private entities, including large conglomerates like the Adani Group, is part of the government’s long-term strategy to modernize India’s aviation infrastructure. This privatization effort is aimed at reducing the burden on state-owned entities and bringing in private sector efficiency, investment, and innovation. The plan also aligns with the government’s vision of making India a global aviation hub.
In conclusion, while the leasing of six airports to the Adani Group has been met with some criticism, the government remains firm on its stance that the process was transparent and competitive. The move is expected to bring about significant improvements in the management and development of these airports, contributing to the growth and modernization of India’s aviation sector.
