In view of the security after the 26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai, security barriers and bollards were installed around the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Colaba, which has now become a cause of controversy. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sent a notice to the hotel management to pay the outstanding charges of about Rs 22 crore for these structures.
The Municipal Corporation says that it is mandatory to pay the prescribed fee for installing permanent or semi-permanent security barriers on public roads and footpaths. It is being told that this fee has not been deposited completely since 2008, due to which the outstanding amount along with interest and other dues has increased to Rs 22 crore.
Hotel management demanded exemption in fees
At the same time, Taj Hotel management argues that these barriers were not installed for any commercial purpose, but to ensure the safety of the common people and the hotel. Therefore, the fee imposed on this should be waived off or at least special relief should be given in it. According to sources, talks are going on between BMC and hotel management on this issue. There is a possibility that a final decision may be taken in this matter next week.
The government canceled the decision in 2025
This matter is not new. In the year 2020, the then UBT-led Standing Committee of Shiv Sena had approved the proposal to give relief in fees. The committee had approved a concession of about Rs 10 crore to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel for creation of security infrastructure on public roads. However, in 2025, the administrator appointed by the state government canceled that decision. Since then, the matter is again pending and now after the notice of BMC, it has once again come into discussion.
Barricades were installed after the terrorist attack
The bollards and barricades installed around the Taj Palace hotel complex following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks were intended to prevent direct entry into the hotel and to strengthen security around the luxury hotel. According to officials, under BMC rules, it is mandatory to levy a fee for installing barricades on public roads and footpaths, which has resulted in the accumulation of dues amounting to Rs 22 crore since the barricades were first installed in 2008.
An official said that the hotel has deposited some amount, but a major part of it has not been deposited by the hotel yet. “Some payment has been received, but a large amount of the total fee collected over many years is yet to be paid,” the official said. Officials said the dues have been calculated since 2009, and a fresh reminder was issued recently after the amount was not paid.
More than 160 people died in the attack
The Taj Mahal Palace was one of the main targets in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai on 26 November 2008. More than 160 people lost their lives in these attacks while many people were seriously injured. After this, extensive changes were made in the security arrangements of many important places of the city. The hotel has since been permanently protected with anti-ram bollards, barricades and other security devices.
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