Indian airlines, shipyards and airports are on the verge of privatization and today a yet another capitalist dominance comes into play as the Adani group acquires Trivandrum International Airport under its domain for the next 50 years! This step comes after TATA’s acquired the Air India and now the Adani Enterprises inked a MOU with the Airport Authority of India. The airport will be now known as Adani Trivandrum International airport (ATIAL), the airport was under the hands of government for around 90 years and now the next 50 years its operations will be undertaken by the Adani’s as a private air station.
Tender Issued For Placing Bids For Private Stalls And Infrastructure
The IT and tourism industries are optimistic as the Adani Trivandrum International Airport Limited (ATIAL) — a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd takes over the Trivandrum International Airport (TIA) from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) today. According to many, the take over is expected to bring massive development to the airport and give a much-needed boost to the capital city’s overall development.
According to sources, the Adani group had already invited subcontracts to develop the airport which would soon have new duty free shops, brand outlets, food courts and a slew of other amenities. Though the state government had plans to expand the airport earlier by acquiring around 19 acres of land, nothing materialised owing to the change in leadership. Even land acquisition wasn’t initiated. Owing to the sorry state of the airport, many airline companies had cancelled fleet operations from there, prompting commuters to switch to other international airports.
An Old Airport With Enriched Legacy
The Trivandrum International airport is one the first airports in the state of Kerala established in 1932 by Colnl Goda Varma Raja, consort prince of HRH Queen Karthika Thirunal of Travancore Kingdom. The first flight took off on 1 November 1935, carrying mail from Royal Anchal to Mumbai. International operations were initiated by Air India to Middle Eastern countries in the late 1970s. The first International Flight was operated in 1977.It is the fifth international airport of India declared by then Prime Minister of India V P Singh in 1991.
Well, the time will let us know whether this step taken by the government is a boon or a bane for the future of aerodromes in the country. Reports claim that Adan’s are all set to reinstate the legacy and richness of the airport as it was on the verge of breakdown due to rising debts and minimal facilities. Striking at the right point, Adani’s have started to operate the airport from today with old employees for at least 3 years in the future.
