Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the parent company of Taj Hotels, and Ambuja Neotia Group have announced a ₹2,700 crore investment commitment to expand their hospitality presence across West Bengal. The development plan covers seven destinations: Kolkata, Raichak, Digha, Siliguri, Lataguri, Kalimpong and Darjeeling.
The partnership aims to increase its portfolio in the state from 11 operational properties to 20, with nine projects at different stages of development. The expansion is expected to strengthen tourism infrastructure across urban centres, coastal destinations, forests and hill regions.
The investment commitment includes two newly launched AltAir House hotels under IHCL’s SeleQtions brand in Kolkata and Siliguri, along with a ₹100 crore expansion of Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa in Darjeeling.
Two New AltAir House Hotels Open
IHCL and Ambuja Neotia have launched AltAir House – IHCL SeleQtions properties in Kolkata and Siliguri under a franchise arrangement.
The Kolkata property, located at Ecospace Business Park in New Town, offers 42 rooms and suites. The Siliguri hotel, situated in Uttorayon Township, has 60 rooms and suites.
The boutique properties are designed around contemporary interiors, curated dining experiences and spaces for social gatherings and celebrations.
Nine Projects in the Pipeline
The nine upcoming projects will add 739 rooms to IHCL’s portfolio in West Bengal. The development pipeline includes:
- Kolkata: Taj Ananta Kutir and Taj Uvanta Signature Residences, with 248 hotel rooms and 354 apartments.
- Darjeeling: Taj Himya Kutir and Taj Himya Branded Villas in Ghoom, with 57 rooms and 10 villas.
- Siliguri: Taj Terai Kutir, planned with 140 rooms.
- Other destinations: Additional AltAir House properties are planned in Raichak, Digha, Kalimpong and Lataguri, alongside other developments under IHCL’s brands.
The projects are expected to be developed over the next two to five years.
Taj Chia Kutir to Get ₹100 Crore Expansion
The investment plan also includes ₹100 crore for expanding Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa in Darjeeling. The project will add 28 rooms and around 15,000 square feet of banqueting facilities.
The expansion is expected to increase the resort’s capacity to host leisure travellers, weddings and other events.
IHCL and Ambuja Neotia Strengthen Partnership
The expanded plan builds on the long-standing partnership between IHCL and Ambuja Neotia. Their combined portfolio across India includes more than 80 properties, including 55 resorts under IHCL’s Tree of Life brand.
The companies are looking to tap West Bengal’s varied tourism potential, from Kolkata’s business and cultural attractions to the coastal destination of Digha and the hill regions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
The investment is also expected to support employment and create business opportunities across hospitality-related services and local supply chains.
