In the Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) project, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL) has sent notices to two contractors, threatening to withhold their payments if they do not pay the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) 152.05 crore in unpaid property taxes.
This action follows a letter from the BMC to MMRCL on January 31, urging it to recover the unpaid dues from the contractors. The BMC’s Assessment and Collection (A&C) department had previously issued notices demanding Rs 332.78 crore in pending dues for using a civic-owned plot at the Wadala Truck Terminal as a casting yard for the project. The two contractors—HCC MMS (JV) and CEC-ITD (Continental ITD Cementation Tata Projects JV)—were directed to pay Rs 53.17 crore and Rs 98.88 crore, respectively.
But in April 2024, the Bombay High Court granted the contractors a stay, which has subsequently been extended. The court decided on October 25, 2024, that the ad-interim relief would be in effect until the subsequent hearing, which has not yet been held.
In a notice dated March 13, MMRCL said that withholding payments were required to safeguard its interests and adhere to its financial and legal commitments, even in light of the temporary stay. However, the metro organisation did not respond to requests for comment.
Source: The Free Press Journal
