Gujarat Government Refutes Allegations on Port Policy Favoring Adani Group

The Gujarat government denied Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claims that its proposed port policy favors the Adani group. The government clarified that the policy applies equally to all port operators and there is no maximum permissible concession period of 50 years. Ramesh alleged the policy aids Adani Ports to secure a monopoly.

The Gujarat government on Wednesday strongly refuted Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's allegation that its proposed policy favors the Adani group. Officials stated that the policy will be uniformly applicable to all port operators, countering claims of preferential treatment.

Reaffirming Gujarat's leadership in India's maritime sector, the state government cited the Gujarat Maritime Board's (GMB) adherence to the BOOT Policy 1997. Under this policy, several ports including Pipavav, Mundra, and Hazira have been developed through private and joint sector partnerships, with initial concession periods of 30 years, extendable thereafter.

In response to numerous requests from port operators for extension of concession agreements, the government emphasized that the proposed policy is still under consideration. It stated that all due approvals have been obtained and rejected Ramesh's accusations as unverified and baseless.

(With inputs from agencies.)