Shikaras in city not a far-fetched dream

Shikaras in city not a far-fetched dream
Rajay Deep
Tribune News Service

Bathinda, February 20
The foundation stone of a five-star hotel, first in the region, would be laid here on Sunday.
According to the notice issued by the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) vide reference number PIDB/CGM/09/1021, the project has been awarded to the Vipul Hospitality Limited in a tie-up with the Sarovar Hotels and Resorts Limited for a concession period of 60 years.
The awardees, with an investment of Rs 100 crore, would construct it within two years and on a public-private-partnership (PPP) basis. The hotel would be constructed on approximately 2.55 acres of land belonging to the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) in the centre of Lake No. 2 and 3.
About the revenue to the state government/PSEB, the agreement states that it would be from annual concession fee or the revenue share, whichever is higher. The minimum gross revenue ensured from the project for the state is estimated at Rs 192 crore for the entire period with the annual concession fee starting at Rs 36 lakh. It would be increased at the rate of six per cent per year.
As per the salient features of the project, there would be a minimum of 75 rooms, a coffee shop, a restaurant and a lounge for at least 50 persons. It would also have a hall, conference room, commercial area, souvenir shops, etc. One of the attractive features is expected to be the shikaras in the lakes. There is also a proposal to start floating rooms.
Confirming the details, DC Rahul Tewari said, “The project will have a multiplier effect on the city’s economy.”