Shimla, April 3
The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to hand over eight hotels to private players on an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) basis, despite opposition from the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC).
HPTDC Chairman RS Bali said the identified hotels are running in losses and require urgent renovation. Funds had been sought from the government for their upgrade, but the Cabinet instead approved their transfer to private operators — a decision that can no longer be challenged.
“The corporation is not in favour of handing over these hotels to private hands,” Bali said, adding that employees of HPTDC have also opposed the move.
Meanwhile, Bali said several key decisions were taken during the Board of Directors (BOD) meeting of the corporation. Among them is a major ₹180 crore hotel project to be developed along Baner Khad in Nagrota Bagwan under the Asian Development Bank (ADB) initiative. The proposed five-star property, to be built at the foothills of the Dhauladhar range, will feature the state’s first musical fountain. The tender for the project — the largest in the state — is scheduled to be finalised on April 6.
Highlighting the corporation’s performance, Bali said HPTDC has recorded steady growth in turnover over the past three-and-a-half years. The turnover rose from ₹78 crore in 2021–22 to ₹109 crore in 2022–23, ₹105 crore in 2023–24, and ₹107 crore in 2024–25.
To boost tourism infrastructure, ₹2,000 crore is being invested in the expansion of Kangra Airport. In Shimla, ₹45 crore has been allocated for the renovation of HPTDC’s Hotel Holiday Home, with approval already granted by the Centre. Renovation work is also underway at three hotels in Manali, while ₹20 crore and ₹35 crore will be spent on upgrading Hamir Hotel and Hotel Jwalamukhi, respectively.
The corporation has also decided to establish a 24×7 call centre to enhance tourist services, Bali added.
