Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has signed an agreement to develop a 125-key Gateway hotel in Sambalpur, Odisha, marking the hospitality major’s latest expansion in the state.
The project, being developed as a greenfield property, will strengthen IHCL’s presence in Sambalpur, an emerging business and industrial hub in western Odisha.
Sambalpur emerges as hospitality hub
Sambalpur has witnessed growing economic activity, supported by its industrial ecosystem and increasing demand for business travel, conferences, weddings and social events. The city’s strategic location and tourism potential are also expected to support demand for quality accommodation.
“Re-imagined Gateway’s proposition of authentic local experiences and contemporary comfort resonates strongly with travellers in emerging markets. Sambalpur has evolved as a key business and economic hub in Odisha, supported by a growing industrial ecosystem, increasing demand for business travel, conferences, weddings and social events. We are pleased to partner with Shamsher Singh Hura for this hotel project,” said IHCL Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, Suma Venkatesh.
Hotel to offer 125 rooms and large event space
Gateway Sambalpur will have 125 rooms and is planned with a mix of accommodation, dining, leisure and event facilities. The property will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant and a bar, besides a fully equipped gym and swimming pool.
The hotel will also have more than 10,000 sq.ft of banquet space for weddings and social events, along with multiple meeting rooms aimed at conferences and business gatherings.
The combination of accommodation and large event facilities positions the property to tap both corporate travel and the growing demand for weddings and social functions in the region.
JAS Group partners with IHCL
The project is being developed in partnership with Shamsher Singh Hura of JAS Group, which has interests spanning automotive, real estate, hospitality and lifestyle businesses.
“We are delighted to partner with IHCL to bring the Gateway brand to Sambalpur. With its growing prominence as a commercial, cultural and tourism destination, Sambalpur is witnessing an increasing demand for quality hospitality. We believe this hotel will set a new benchmark for the region, offering contemporary hospitality while celebrating the rich heritage and distinctive character of Western Odisha. We look forward to creating a landmark destination for both business and leisure travellers,” said , JAS Group’s Shamsher Singh Hura.
Tourism and industrial demand
Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River, Sambalpur is an important cultural, educational and industrial centre of Odisha. The city is known for its historic temples and proximity to the Hirakud Dam, while its educational institutions and industrial base contribute to year-round economic activity.
Sambalpur is also the headquarters of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd, adding to its importance as a business and industrial centre.
With the addition of the Gateway project, IHCL will have eight hotels in Odisha, including three under development, further expanding its footprint in the state.
JAS Group’s diversified presence
Shamsher Singh Hura promotes JAS Group, which has evolved since 2004 from trading and retail into automotive, real estate, hospitality and lifestyle businesses. The group operates a Honda vehicle dealership and has also developed multiple real estate projects in Odisha.