The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality firm, has announced the signing of a new Taj-branded hotel in Naina Tikker, Himachal Pradesh. This brownfield project marks the brand's strategic expansion into a serene, relatively unexplored hill station in the Sirmaur district.

The upcoming 120-key Taj Naina Tikker will offer uninterrupted views of the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range. The resort will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, bar, and a lobby lounge. For events and celebrations, it will include a spacious 4,000 sq. ft. banquet hall, meeting rooms, and pre-function areas. Wellness facilities such as a heated pool, gym, spa, health club, and activity centre aim to enhance the experience for both leisure and group travellers.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, stated, “Naina Tikker represents a unique opportunity for the Taj brand to mark its presence in a relatively unexplored part of Himachal Pradesh... It is poised to become a sought-after destination for leisure, MICE and social celebrations.”

Located amidst protected forests, Naina Tikker is a tranquil destination known for its pristine beauty, spiritual heritage, and vibrant biodiversity. With landmarks like the Mata Naina Tikker shrine and Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple, the area holds strong appeal for both spiritual and nature-loving travellers.

Mr. Sachin Kapoor and Ms. Sagarika Kapoor of Micro Turners Group, the hotel’s development partner, said, “We are excited to partner with IHCL for another project and bring the iconic Taj brand to Naina Tikker. This collaboration will redefine luxury hospitality in the region.”

With this addition, IHCL will have a total of 13 hotels in Himachal Pradesh, including eight currently under development, further strengthening its foothold in the North Indian hospitality market and forming a travel circuit across Chandigarh, Chail, Theog, and Dehradun.

Monika Alcobev Limited, one of India’s leading importers and distributors of premium wines and spirits, has officially listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), becoming the first player in its segment to go public under its unique business model.

The company’s IPO received an enthusiastic response, being oversubscribed 4.1 times and raising ₹165.63 crore. This strong market debut reflects growing investor confidence in the potential of premium alcohol brands in India.

“This milestone is more than just capital raised, it’s a vote of confidence in our governance, our national presence, and our long-term vision,” said Kunal Patel, Managing Director of Monika Alcobev.

With a presence across 24 states and more than 170 cities, Monika Alcobev has built a robust pan-India footprint. While the company has long been strong in metropolitan markets, its growth in North India has been particularly impressive.

“North India has always played a strategic role in our expansion. Today, it stands out as one of our most exciting frontiers,” added Patel.

Monika Alcobev represents over 100 global brands and manages a portfolio of more than 200 SKUs, spanning wines, spirits, and liqueurs. Its full-service platform covers import, compliance, logistics, distribution, and brand activation, making it a trusted partner for international brands entering the Indian market.

The company caters to top hospitality chains, premium bars, and modern retail outlets across the country, delivering consistently from Mumbai to Delhi, Hyderabad to Jaipur, and Bangalore to Guwahati.

“We’ve always approached the market with a national mindset,” said Hemang Chandat, Chief Commercial Officer. “Our growing presence across geographies is a reflection of that strategy and the scale we’ve built is now speaking for itself.”

With its successful public listing, Monika Alcobev is now set to accelerate its growth, deepen its brand partnerships, and continue shaping how India experiences premium alcoholic beverages.

In the hospitality sector, where guest comfort often takes centre stage, safety systems work quietly in the background, until they’re put to the test. But in a country like India, where hotel infrastructure is rapidly expanding, fire and life safety can no longer be treated as secondary.

Between 2016 and 2020, over 63,000 fire incidents were reported across India, leading to tragic losses of more than 62,000 lives. These staggering numbers highlight the urgent need for safer hotel environments. Hotels, due to high footfall, 24/7 activity, and guest unfamiliarity with layouts, are particularly vulnerable. Add to that common hazards like kitchen fires, overloaded electrical systems, and skipped maintenance checks, and the risks grow significantly.

This is where East Corp Group, under the leadership of Hemant Khadse, is making a meaningful difference. With over 30 years of global experience, Khadse has built East Corp into one of India’s most trusted names in Fire & Life Safety (FLS) and risk management for the hospitality industry.

Group CEO, Mr. Hemant V.Khadse

Working with architects, developers, and hotel operators, East Corp offers a full range of services, from design and audits to consulting and code compliance. Their approach is future-facing and thorough, covering everything from smoke control systems and emergency egress plans to façade fire protection and passive fire safety designs.

What really sets East Corp apart is their people-first approach. Beyond just checks and reports, they empower hotel teams with mock drills, seismic design reviews, and compliance training. Their use of VR-based safety simulations offers a modern, immersive way to build safety awareness among staff.

Their work doesn’t stop at India’s borders. With a presence in countries like Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Congo, and having trained over 10,000 professionals across 700+ clients, East Corp’s global footprint proves the growing demand for their expertise.

As hotels move towards more guest-centric and tech-savvy operations, safety must evolve to match that pace. Regular FLS audits every two years, and strict adherence to standards like NBC 2016 and NEC 2023, should be routine, not reactive. East Corp Group has partnered with several leading hospitality brands, including IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), Hilton, Radisson, Savvy, Sayaji Hotels, Sorriso Boutique Hotel, Pearl Grand Hotel, and the Brigade Group, delivering expert services in fire safety, life-safety systems, and compliance solutions across their properties.

Companies like East Corp are leading that change. They show that operational excellence and uncompromised safety can go hand in hand. In protecting people, properties, and reputations, East Corp isn’t just providing a service, they’re helping shape a safer and smarter future for hospitality in India and beyond.

Because in the end, a truly Surakshit Bharat isn’t just a goal, it should be the norm.

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