Maharashtra may take back 5 airports leased to Anil Ambani due to poor maintenance & non-payment of dues

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Anil Ambani group due to poor maintenance and non-payment of statutory dues, TOI quoted Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told the assembly as saying on Friday. «They did not maintain the airports nor pay the statutory dues. We will consult the state advocate general and see if we can take charge of the airports by paying the dues and retrieving them later from the company,» said Fadnavis.

Ambani's group were leased the Baramati, Nanded, Osmanabad, Latur and Yavatmal airports in 2008-09. Planes will take off from the airport in August next year, Fadnavis informed the legislative assembly, while responding to a discussion on a calling attention notice by Ashok Chavan of Congress and others on the prevailing condition of airports in the state. Work at Nanded and Latur airport has come to a halt due to non-payment of dues by the assigned company, he said.

“Navi Mumbai airport will start functioning next year. Nanded, Latur airport works have come to a standstill. The company that was given the work hasn't paid the dues.

Advocate General's opinion will be taken and we will expedite this work,” Fadnavis tweeted later. “An authority will be formed for proper airport management, and decision will be taken within 3 months,” he said. “We are constructing a Rs 650 crore terminal building at Shirdi airport,” Fadnavis said.

The government is planning to set up a dedicated authority for efficient airport management, he said. A decision on this matter is expected within the next three months, he added. These steps are aimed at enhancing air connectivity and infrastructure in Maharashtra, contributing to the state's overall growth and development, he said.