Shillong to Have 5-Star Taj Hotel

By Supratim Dey

Kolkata/ Guwahati Apr 2 : Close on the heels of setting up a 5-star hotel in Guwahati, the Taj Group is now exploring the possibility of setting up another such hotel in Meghalaya. Vice president of Taj Hotel Resort and Palaces Rajiv Gujral had a meeting with Meghalaya chief minister DD Lapang in this regard recently.

Sources said that Gujral discussed the “prospect” of setting up a 5-star hotel “in and around” Shillong, the picturesque hill station. It is learnt that Lapang has asked the Taj Group to submit a formal proposal, indicating the places where it would be interested in making investments.

Due to gradual increase in business activities in Shillong, Gujral said that it was a “lucrative” place for investment in various sectors. However, he cited the absence of proper infrastructure for private sector to invest in the state. Sources said that Gujral has agreed to submit investment proposals soon and has asked for assistance of the state government in this regard.

The foundation stone of the Rs 95-crore 5-star hotel in Guwahati by Taj Group, Taj Vivanta, was laid by Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on March 9 in the presence of Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Sons, among others.

The hotel will come up at Khanapra on GS Road, and would be spread over 4.5 acres. It is expected to be commissioned within two years.