Commonwealth Games in 2010 has now made
the central government initiate consultations with the Planning Commission
- to identify, provide land for setting up 40 additional hotels in the NCR
area or the National Capital Region - (comprising of Delhi, Noida, Greater
Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Sonepat etc.)
As Delhi Development Authority (DDA) owns
most of land, it is involved in the discussion and is working towards
identifying plots for the hotels. Inputs from sports ministry are being
taken.
Mid September is the time when the
officials of various government departments and ministries will go through
an intense discussion, brain storming - agenda infrastructure development.
It is hoped that this meeting will act as a catalyst the for Games
projects to gather momentum. Situation is still to be assessed on the
ground level.
T. Sarkar, Director Sports, DDA said,"
Nothing is finalized yet but DDA shall construct the Games Village and
three stadiums. Proposal for allowing 40 hotels is still in embryonic
stage".
The industry is excited but are on cautious wait and watch hold stage. So
far it is only a general announcement on the part of the government, no
concrete action is yet seen, sources in the industry commented. For
example, no auction of hotel plots has been announced.
Delhi at this moment about 12,000 rooms
and experts opine that there is a shortage of about 4000 rooms which shall
go up by 2010. Hence Govt. must act fast. A big deterrent for hotel
players is high real estate cost. Scope in luxury segment seems limited.
Budget hotels has a lot of scope. Thrust, therefore, shall be on 3 star
hotels. Providing real estate at reasonable cost will be the real key
challenge.
