Kerala Minister Extends Adani Ports Contract Amid Rising Death Toll at Muthalappozhi

Kerala Port Minister V N Vasavan announced an extension for Adani Ports to complete dredging at the accident-prone Muthalappozhi harbour. Despite the contract expiring on June 11, delays prompted the extension. Concerns rise as over 70 people have lost their lives, prompting demands for urgent action.

Kerala Port Minister V N Vasavan announced on Tuesday that Adani Ports has been granted an extension to finish dredging activities in the navigation channel of Muthalappozhi harbour, a site notorious for frequent boat accidents and fatalities.

During the question hour, the minister revealed that the government had entered into an agreement with Adani Ports in 2018, which expired on June 11 this year. Nevertheless, due to delays, an extension was approved.

In response to questions from Congress legislator Saneesh Kumar Joseph about potential actions against port authorities for failing to fulfill commitments, the minister did not provide a definitive reply. He underscored that discussions had taken place and an extension was granted for the completion of the work within a specified timeframe.