Newstrack

Chattisgarh to invest in 21 motels

Reema Sisodia - Mumbai

Sensing the acute need for hotel infrastructure in the state, Chattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB) has taken on itself to develop the same. It has identified 16 districts across the state wherein it will build 21 motels of which at least five are scheduled to be completed in the next six months. The others are expected to be operational by mid-2007.

Once completed, these projects would be given out for operations to private entrepreneurs and professional hospitality chains, for which tenders will be issued. The tie-up at present will be on a profit sharing basis, the modalities of which are still under discussion. According to Rakesh Chaturvedi, MD of CTB, "We realised the importance of initiating infrastructure development because only then could we expect the private players to think of investing in the region. In fact, we have already had initial discussions with a few reputed hotel chains for a business tie-up. The region has a lot of potential today and it is only a matter of time before it outshines other states."

Confirming the same is K B Kachru, executive VP (South Asia), Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, who said, "We are seriously looking at Raipur as a potential business zone and as a gateway into Chattisgarh. We have had talks with the tourism officials in the state and would be interested to expand our Radisson and Country Inn & Suites brands in the state. The board is yet to release the approximate budget that it will channel from the total tourism budget of Rs 29 crore towards this project.