The coastal security of Mumbai and Maharashtra is facing severe challenges, as most patrolling boats remain non-operational. Maintenance work has come to a halt since March this year, because two operators responsible for servicing the boats have refused to continue due to non-payment for over two-and-a-half years. Sources indicate that around Rs 10 crore in payments are pending, said the report.

As a result, the city police are struggling to manage a limited number of functional boats. Although the payments have been approved by the relevant departments in Mumbai, the process is reportedly stuck. Due to the lack of maintenance, all the speed boats are currently wrapped in tarpaulin and lying unused at Mazgaon’s Lakdi Bunder.