Poddar Group unveils ₹800 crore plan to build 10 hotels in India.

Guwahati, May 11, 2026: Assam-based Poddar Group has announced a ₹800 crore expansion roadmap to develop 10 hotel properties across multiple states in India over the next decade, marking a clear shift from a regional operator to a pan-India play.

The group, which runs under the Palacio Hotels & Resorts flag, is among the first hospitality-focused firms from Northeast India to push beyond its home turf.

And it’s not doing it slowly.

The announcement came out of Guwahati, where the company laid out a long-term plan built on owned assets, leased properties, and management contracts.

₹800 crore investment and multi-state expansion plan

The plan is simple on paper—10 hotels in 10 years.

But the intent runs deeper.

While the Northeast remains core, the group is now targeting new markets across India to spread risk and scale faster.

It’s going after mid-scale and premium budget segments. Especially in places where branded hotels are still missing.

That gap is where the opportunity sits.

Existing portfolio and growth trajectory

Right now, Poddar Group runs three hotels—two in Guwahati and one in Alipurduar, West Bengal.

And that Alipurduar property? It’s done more heavy lifting than it looks.

Chairman Rajiv Poddar points out it sits on a key transit route between India and Bhutan.

That means steady traffic—business travellers, cross-border movement, and tourists heading to Thimphu.

It also feeds off wildlife demand from Buxa Tiger Reserve.

Not flashy. But consistent.

The second Guwahati property doubled down on the city’s role as a commercial hub.

That’s where volume comes from.

Hybrid business model to drive scalability

The expansion won’t rely on just one playbook.

Ownership, leases, and management contracts—everything is on the table.

This hybrid model keeps capital pressure lower while speeding up expansion.

And it opens doors.

Especially in smaller cities where property owners have assets but no operational muscle.

Poddar steps in, runs the hotel, and takes a cut.

Clean and scalable.

Upcoming projects and brand partnerships

One key project already in motion is a luxury hotel in Gangtok.

It will be operated by Accor.

That’s a clear signal.

Poddar isn’t just expanding. It’s upgrading.

The move pushes it into the upscale segment while keeping its base in mid-scale intact.

Focus on dining and guest experience

Food is becoming a frontline strategy.

The group is building dining concepts that mix regional flavours with global formats.

Its Palacio menu has been shaped with chef Ajay Chopra.

That’s not just branding, it’s positioning.

Because today, rooms don’t sell alone.

Food, vibe, and how guests feel, that’s what drives repeat business.

And Poddar seems to be betting on exactly that.

With domestic travel rising and smaller cities gaining traction, the group is placing calculated bets, location by location.

Not loud. But deliberate.