State Government to Reclaim Control of Five Airports from RADPL

27 Jul 2023 CW Team

"The state government, as announced by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the Assembly, is set to reclaim control of five airports—Baramati, Nanded, Latur, Yavatmal, and Osmanabad—from Reliance Airport Developers Private Limited (RADPL). RADPL, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure led by Anil Ambani, was initially awarded the airports for a 30-year period in 2009 with the responsibility to develop and operate them. However, presently, all five airports are non-functional.

According to Fadnavis, RADPL has neglected airport maintenance and has not met its statutory obligations, leading to the closure of Nanded airport. To resolve this issue, the government will engage with the advocate general to address the legal aspects of reclaiming possession of these airports. Additionally, the state government will clear all dues for the five airports and seek reimbursement from the firm.

The topic of regional connectivity was raised during the discussion, with Senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan highlighting that out of the state's 32 airports and airstrips, only 11 are operational, impacting regional connectivity plans. He also pointed out the challenges posed by limited slots at Mumbai airport for flights to major cities, hindering intra-state travel.

Responding to these concerns, Fadnavis assured that efforts will be made to secure more slots at Mumbai airport for major cities through high-level meetings with Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) officials.

Acknowledging the need for a centralized agency to oversee airport development, Fadnavis declared that such an agency will be established soon. Until now, the five airports under RADPL were under the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), while the rest were managed by the Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation (MADC).

Fadnavis also shared the government's plan to construct one helipad in each taluka (tehsil) and has formed a committee to assess the technical feasibility of suitable locations. The committee will visit all talukas to ensure sufficient space for helicopter take-offs."

The state government, as announced by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the Assembly, is set to reclaim control of five airports—Baramati, Nanded, Latur, Yavatmal, and Osmanabad—from Reliance Airport Developers Private Limited (RADPL). RADPL, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure led by Anil Ambani, was initially awarded the airports for a 30-year period in 2009 with the responsibility to develop and operate them. However, presently, all five airports are non-functional. According to Fadnavis, RADPL has neglected airport maintenance and has not met its statutory obligations, leading to the closure of Nanded airport. To resolve this issue, the government will engage with the advocate general to address the legal aspects of reclaiming possession of these airports. Additionally, the state government will clear all dues for the five airports and seek reimbursement from the firm. The topic of regional connectivity was raised during the discussion, with Senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan highlighting that out of the state's 32 airports and airstrips, only 11 are operational, impacting regional connectivity plans. He also pointed out the challenges posed by limited slots at Mumbai airport for flights to major cities, hindering intra-state travel. Responding to these concerns, Fadnavis assured that efforts will be made to secure more slots at Mumbai airport for major cities through high-level meetings with Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) officials. Acknowledging the need for a centralized agency to oversee airport development, Fadnavis declared that such an agency will be established soon. Until now, the five airports under RADPL were under the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), while the rest were managed by the Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation (MADC). Fadnavis also shared the government's plan to construct one helipad in each taluka (tehsil) and has formed a committee to assess the technical feasibility of suitable locations. The committee will visit all talukas to ensure sufficient space for helicopter take-offs. See also: Fairfax India boosts stake in BIAL, Bengaluru airport Karnataka government to control and run new minor airports

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..