VM Sudheeran cites profits to oppose airport transfer

Thiruvananthapuram: Former KPCC president V.M. Sudheeran who has been against the privatisation of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to Adani group has come out with data on the profit it made. In a statement, Mr Sudheeran informed that contrary to claims made by the BJP government that the Thiruvananth-apuram airport was a loss making entity, during 2017-18 fiscal year, the profit was Rs 169.32 crore. Mr Sudheeran urged the LDF government that under no circumstances should the Pinarayi government sign on the ‘State Support Agreement’.

He also informed that if the domestic and international passengers plying through the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport were 25 lakh during 2011 –12, it has shot off to 44 lakh during 2017-18. Mr Sudheeran said that the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport had made great strides in the development sector too.

“Apart from the existing 628 acres of land, another 18 acres of land is being acquired which would pave the way for the development of the terminal building. Already `600 crore has been sanctioned. This is being implemented when already `1,500 crore worth development works is happening”, said Mr Sudheeran.

He also maintained that unlike the work initiated by the Airport Authority of India, Adani group will not be able to come up with more domestic and international flights as they are inexperienced in this sector.

Mr Sudheeran also criticised the BJP Government at the Centre alleging that the terms and conditions in the bidding process was framed in such a way that only the Adani group walks away with the bid.

“BJP government conveniently changed the rules in favour of the Adani group compared to what they had come up with the other airports in the country. Instead, Adani group has managed to get the bid of the Thiruvananthap-uram International Airport without sweating much”, added Sudheeran.