PTI reported that Maldives' state run MACL recently took over the operations of the Male international airport from GMR after the Indian infrastructure major lost a week long legal battle over the unilateral termination of its USD 511 million airport modernization contract.
Mr Masood Imad President Mohamed Waheed's Press Secretary said that "Maldives Airport Company Limited has taken over the operations of the Ibrahim Nassir International Airport from GMR. The transfer process was very smooth and seamless."
Mr Imad said that there would be three-week transition period during which GMR and state run MACL will work together.
He said that "GMR has agreed to work with MACL for the next 3 weeks or so to help MACL with paper works and to clear any doubts since the Indian firm was operating the airport for last 2 years."
He added that "All workers of the airport who wish to stay back after GMR leaves will be taken on board by MACL. This also includes Indian workers."
Terminating the USD 511 million contract with GMR on November 27th, Maldivian government had given time till tonight to the Bangalore based firm to handover the airport operations.
The handover took place a day after the Singapore Supreme Court ruled that Maldives government has the power to do what its wants including expropriating the airport, dealing a severe blow to GMR which had earlier got a temporary reprieve with the Singapore High Court staying the termination.
Source - PTI
