The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has launched a major recovery drive against eight long-term lease defaulters occupying its land, seeking to recover rental arrears estimated at around Rs 3,500 crore. The initiative is aimed at unlocking funds for key maritime infrastructure projects and improving accountability among leaseholders.
As part of the exercise, the authority has publicly identified several prominent entities with outstanding dues, including The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (Taj Hotels), Crescent Dyes & Chemicals Ltd and Scindia Steam Navigation Co Ltd, among others.
The list of identified defaulters also includes Shri Omprakash Tulsiram Aggarwal and six other joint tenants, The Timber Market Occupants Society, Provident Investment Co Ltd, Indian Vegetable Product Ltd and Subh Hospitality Ltd.
To strengthen the recovery process, the Mumbai Port Authority has appointed senior legal officers and leading law firms to pursue legal proceedings. It has also decided to initiate criminal action against unauthorised occupants of port land.
According to the authority, prolonged non-payment of lease rentals has affected its financial capacity to undertake large-scale infrastructure projects planned under the Major Port Authorities (MPA) Act, 2021.
The recovery initiative forms part of the authority’s broader strategy to support projects proposed under the Centre’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Maritime India Vision. Planned developments include the proposed Mumbai Marina, cruise tourism infrastructure, shipbuilding facilities and the transformation of Mumbai’s Eastern Waterfront into a major maritime economic hub.
Officials further alleged that several lessees had violated lease conditions through unauthorised construction, illegal subletting, transfer or assignment of leasehold rights without approval and unauthorised changes in land use.
The authority also stated that many leaseholders have prolonged disputes by pursuing litigation, delaying the execution of important development projects. In several instances, although the Mumbai Port Authority has secured eviction orders, the concerned parties have approached higher courts, extending the legal process while continuing to withhold lease payments.
The Mumbai Port Authority has appealed to all defaulting tenants to settle their outstanding dues and cooperate with the recovery process, stating that prolonged defaults continue to place an unnecessary burden on public resources and delay critical infrastructure investments.
Source: Swarajya
