Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, addressing the Lok Sabha on Thursday, asserted that six airports were leased to the Adani group through a thorough, competitive, and transparent process. His statement aimed to counter allegations made by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Saugata Roy regarding the allocation of these airports.

The state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) leased six major airports—Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram—to the Adani group. This decision followed an open bidding process aimed at enhancing airport infrastructure and operational efficiency.

Allegations of Procedural Irregularities

TMC leader Saugata Roy raised concerns during the session, claiming that Niti Aayog and the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) had initially opposed awarding more than two airports to the same entity. He implied that the leasing process violated recommendations from these government bodies.

Minister Naidu categorically denied these claims, describing them as “wild allegations” without factual basis. He clarified that the leasing process had undergone rigorous scrutiny and approvals:

  • An Empowered Group of Secretaries led by the Niti Aayog CEO and including the DEA Secretary was responsible for overseeing the process.
  • Both the Niti Aayog and DEA were actively involved, making Roy’s claim of opposition unfounded.

“When members of Niti Aayog and DEA were integral to the group overseeing the leasing, how could they have opposed it?” Naidu questioned, reiterating the integrity of the process.

Commitment to Transparency

Naidu emphasised that the entire bidding process adhered to principles of competition and transparency, ensuring fairness. He dismissed the allegations as baseless and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving aviation infrastructure for the country’s growth.

The leasing of six AAI-operated airports to the Adani group continues to be a point of debate in Parliament. However, Minister Naidu strongly defended the government’s approach, underscoring its compliance with established procedures and its focus on transparency.

(With agency inputs)