Kochi: The KGS group has challenged the state government's decision cancelling its permission to build an airport in Aranmula in the High Court. The court adjourned the matter for a detailed hearing. The petitioner argued that they have invested hundreds of crores of rupees as well as its time and effort for the development of the greenfield airport and obtained most of the approvals and permits it required. However, the state decided to revoke the permission, despite the assurance given to this court.
The petitioner has a legitimate expectation to develop, commission and operate the airport since they had expended an enormous amount of money and time over the last seven years. The state could have considered that the KGS group purchased the lands in conformity with all laws, rules and regulations. The government directed the collector of Pathanamthitta district to expedite registration of land bought by petitioner for the airport project.
The airport project will be implemented at a total cost of Rs 2,000 and will generate 1,500 direct jobs and indirect employment to more than 7,000 people. The proposed international airport has been included in the Economic Survey of 2014-15 presented by the government before Parliament and has been planned as part of major initiatives to augment better airport infrastructure across the country as per it.
