01 April,2026 07:34 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
In a first, NMMC deployed AI-based calling systems to reach out to defaulters. FILE PIC
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has achieved its highest-ever property tax collection, raking in a record Rs 876 crore in the financial year 2025-26, marking a major milestone since its inception.
Civic officials attributed the surge to a combination of citizen participation, strategic planning, and the success of the Abhay Yojana implemented between March 10 and March 31, 2026. The scheme offered a 50 per cent waiver on penalty for lump sum payment of arrears, encouraging thousands of defaulters to clear dues.
Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde credited the achievement to a "transparent, tech-driven and citizen-friendly approach," while thanking taxpayers for their cooperation. Under his leadership, the civic body emphasised digital adoption, streamlined processes and consistent follow-ups to boost compliance.
Among administrative wards, Nerul emerged as the top contributor with Rs 182.09 crore in collections. It was followed by Koparkhairane (Rs 163.40 crore) and Ghansoli (Rs 150.11 crore), indicating strong recovery across key nodes.
Officials said the property tax department leveraged data analytics to identify defaulters and plan targeted recovery drives. SMS alerts, WhatsApp messages, RCS communication and physical follow-ups were extensively used.
In a first, the civic body also deployed AI-based calling systems to reach out to defaulters, nudging them to pay pending dues.
A significant behavioural shift was observed among taxpayers, with nearly 61 per cent opting for online payment modes. Of the total 2.25 lakh property owners who paid tax this year, the majority preferred digital platforms, while 39 per cent paid offline at civic collection centres.
To further ease payments, NMMC kept tax collection centres operational even on weekends and public holidays in March, ensuring last-mile convenience.
The final month of the financial year saw a major spike, with over 28,800 property owners contributing around Rs 192.81 crore alone, underlining the impact of deadline-driven compliance and incentives.
Municipal Commissioner Shinde said, "The record-breaking figures reflect growing tax discipline and improved trust between the administration and citizens."
NMMC Mayor Sujata Patil and senior officials also congratulated the property tax department for the achievement.
