Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has signed an agreement to develop a 215-room Gateway hotel in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, strengthening its presence in a market where infrastructure development and business activity are driving demand for hospitality services.
The greenfield project will be located in Gomti Nagar, a prominent commercial and residential area of the state capital. The hotel will feature 215 rooms, two restaurants, a bar, a spa, a gym and a swimming pool, positioning it to cater to both business and leisure travellers.
The development will also include more than 8,000 sq. ft. of banqueting space, along with pre-function areas and conference facilities, targeting corporate meetings, conferences and social events.
Business activity drives hospitality expansion
The signing comes as Lucknow strengthens its position as an administrative, political and commercial centre, supported by infrastructure development and expanding business activity. The city’s cultural heritage, architectural landmarks and culinary traditions also underpin its leisure tourism appeal.
For IHCL, the project adds capacity in a market that offers opportunities across corporate travel, weddings, conferences and leisure hospitality.
IHCL Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, Suma Venkatesh, said, “Lucknow continues to witness steady growth driven by infrastructure development and expanding business activity. This signing strengthens IHCL’s presence in one of North India’s key commercial and administrative centres. We are delighted to partner with Kripanidhi Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. for this project.”
Uttar Pradesh portfolio reaches 64 hotels
With the addition of the Lucknow property, IHCL’s portfolio in Uttar Pradesh will comprise 64 hotels, including 27 under development. The development pipeline accounts for more than 42% of the company’s total hotel portfolio in the state, highlighting the importance of future projects in its regional expansion strategy.
The addition of Gateway Lucknow will broaden IHCL’s presence in the state while extending the Gateway brand’s footprint in a market with demand from business travellers and event organisers.
“We are pleased to partner with IHCL and bring the Gateway brand to the city. With its strategic location and the strength of IHCL’s hospitality expertise, the hotel will serve the evolving needs of travellers,” said Kripanidhi Hospitality Pvt. Ltd, Director, Varun Gavri.
Partnership with real estate interests
Kripanidhi Hospitality is represented by Varun Gavri of the Gavri Group, which has been engaged in sandstone mining for more than five decades. The group also has interests in real estate, with land holdings across Lucknow and Prayagraj.
The project follows a greenfield development model, with IHCL partnering with the property owner to bring its hospitality brand and operating expertise to the new hotel.