The Adani group had sought more time to complete the project, citing inclement weather and damage to its dredgers in the Ockhi cyclone.Thiruvananthapuram: The Adani group on Friday clarified that the company is not trying to shirk away from paying compensation by seeking an extension to the Vizhinjam port deadline.
The group had sought more time to complete the project, citing inclement weather and damage to its dredgers in the Ockhi cyclone.
The group will start earning income only if the port is commissioned, said its CEO Rajesh Jha. The group also stated that it can't give a specific date when the work will be over.
The group's move to seek more time had given rise allegations that it was trying to escape from paying compensation. According to the agreement, the group has to pay Rs 12 lakh daily as compensation for delay. But if the works were delayed due to natural disaster, the group may not pay this.
The opposition had alleged in the assembly that the government was colluding with the group. The group, however, denied all the allegations.
The Adani Group said that 150 metres of the 600-metre pier that was complete had washed away in the rough sea. Twenty per cent of piles and two dredgers suffered damages. The group needs more time for the repair work and collect more resources. It will need to assess the damages and hold discussions before giving a final deadline. Rajesh Jha added that the government will have to work with the group to complete the project.
