Date:28/11/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/11/28/stories/2005112802160300.htm

Back C'Wealth Games: Steps urged to create more hotel space

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Nov. 27

THE Government should take immediate measures to boost hotel infrastructure in the country especially ahead of the Commonwealth Games slated to be held here in 2010, the Federation of Hotels and Restaurant Association of India, has said.

The association has estimated that an investment of about Rs 20,000 crore will be required to have enough hotel rooms to accommodate the expected rush of people for the global sporting event.

"An estimated 12,000 people including sportsmen, their families and officials are expected for the event. There is a severe shortage of hotel rooms. Something should be done fast especially as it takes about 36 months to develop a world-class hotel," a senior FHRAI official said.

To facilitate in the development of infrastructure, the FHRAI and the Hotels and Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI) have formed a Delhi chapter. "We are totally racing against time. The private sector is willing to help the Government develop infrastructure, but we need to get started now," the FHRAI President, Mr Manbeer Choudhary, said.

"Give us the green signal and we would help strengthen the infrastructure here," the Chairman of the Claridges Hotels and Resorts and Head of the Delhi Chapter, Mr Suresh Nanda, said.