According to
sources, IHCL, a Tata Group company, accounts for the largest share of the
outstanding dues, with unpaid lease rentals estimated at around ₹1,800 crore. Other
major defaulters include Crescent Dyes & Chemicals Ltd, Shri Omprakash
Tulsiram Aggarwal & Six Others (joint tenants), The Timber Market
Occupants’ Society, Provident Investment Co. Ltd, Indian Vegetable Products
Ltd, Scindia Steam Navigation Co. Ltd, and Subh Hospitality Ltd. To expedite recovery, the port authority has
engaged leading senior advocates and top-tier law firms to pursue legal action
against the defaulting entities. It has also decided to initiate criminal
proceedings against unauthorised occupants as part of its enforcement
strategy. Officials said the recovery
of lease arrears is critical for funding the redevelopment of Mumbai’s Eastern
Waterfront under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021. The master plan
envisages the development of a maritime economic hub featuring the proposed
Mumbai Marina, international cruise terminals, water transport infrastructure,
shipbuilding facilities, and other port-centric developments. According to the port authority, prolonged
non-payment of lease rentals has constrained its revenue stream and affected
the implementation of major infrastructure projects. Officials also alleged that several
lessees have committed operational violations, including unauthorised
construction, illegal subletting, unauthorised transfer of leased properties,
and changes in land use without approval. In several cases, eviction orders
have been obtained, but the occupants have challenged them before higher
courts, delaying the recovery process.
The Mumbai Port Authority said it remains committed to protecting public
assets while accelerating maritime infrastructure development under the
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Maritime India Vision, and has urged all
defaulting tenants to clear their outstanding dues without further delay.