As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, Sanyam Gandhi, Whole-time Director at Chartered Speed, one of India’s leading shared mobility players, has shared his expectations for advancing connectivity and sustainable transportation in India.

"We are confident that the government’s continued investment in developing the road network, especially through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri e-Bus Sewa Scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), will significantly increase intra-city and inter-city connectivity. These measures will ensure better access to both urban and rural areas while playing a crucial role in strengthening public transportation and infrastructure," said Gandhi.

Highlighting the importance of electric mobility, Gandhi added, "We also anticipate that the government will accelerate the adoption of electric mobility through policies aimed at promoting electric vehicles, such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme and the PM E-DRIVE initiative. These policies should focus on incentivizing electric buses, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers, as well as expanding charging infrastructure."

Gandhi emphasized the need for public infrastructure to support electric buses, stating that this would aid electric fleet operators and facilitate the expansion of long-range services. "These efforts have the potential to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to India’s progress toward a greener, more sustainable transportation future," he said.

With India striving for significant strides in connectivity and sustainability, Gandhi’s remarks underscore the importance of robust government policies in enabling a thriving shared mobility ecosystem.

ITC Hotels Ltd, now an independent entity after its demerger from ITC Ltd, is setting its sights on international markets. The hotel chain plans to expand its presence starting with neighboring countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka, as well as West Asia, reflecting its ambition to grow from 140 to over 200 properties.

Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Puri highlighted the strategy:
"We have been India-centric, but we are now venturing overseas. We already operate hotels in Colombo and Nepal and have signed up for another in Nepal. Our focus is on proximal markets like West Asia and beyond, with a commitment to leveraging interesting opportunities."

A Transition to Asset-Light Growth

The demerger grants ITC Hotels operational autonomy, allowing it to adopt a more asset-light growth strategy. Currently, 45% of ITC’s 13,000 rooms are owned, while the remaining 55% are operated through management contracts. The company plans to further expand through management agreements and franchise models to increase its global footprint.

Over the past two years, ITC Hotels has opened 26 properties and introduced two new brands - Mementos by ITC for luxury leisure destinations and Storii for boutique leisure properties. This complements its existing portfolio of brands, which includes ITC Hotels, Welcomhotel, Fortune, and WelcomHeritage. 

Sustainability at the Core

ITC Hotels stands out with its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The chain boasts impressive achievements such as:

• Emissions levels below Paris 2030 Agreement targets.

• The world’s first 12 LEED-certified net-zero carbon hotels.

• The world’s first five net-zero water hotels.

"Consumers increasingly prefer greener products and services. Our sustainability credentials and iconic service standards, including globally acknowledged cuisine, position us strongly in the competitive market," Puri emphasized.

Expanding a Unique Legacy

ITC Hotels’ focus on its green initiatives and distinctive culinary offerings, like the famed Bukhara restaurant at ITC Maurya, continues to attract global dignitaries and travelers. These differentiators, combined with its asset-light model and international expansion, align with the company’s vision of creating a more upscale and diverse portfolio.

With an ambitious goal of reaching 200 properties and a renewed focus on upper-upscale segments, ITC Hotels is poised to redefine its legacy, both in India and globally.

For more updates, visit ITC Hotels.

Kush Kapoor, CEO of Roseate Hotels & Resorts, has shared his insights on Budget 2025, emphasizing its potential to enhance the hospitality sector and elevate guest experiences.

“The Budget 2025 includes initiatives that are poised to indirectly benefit the hospitality sector and enhance the overall guest experience. One of the standout measures is the provision of stipend for interns under government funding, which will play a crucial role in attracting fresh talent and strengthening our workforce. We anticipate that it will significantly improve our recruitment efforts and foster a skilled and dynamic team,” he said.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, Kapoor applauded the emphasis on sustainable practices and natural farming. “This is a welcomed step that will improve the quality and availability of fresh, sustainable produce. With an increasing focus on personalized guest experiences, this aligns perfectly with the growing demand for organic, locally-sourced ingredients. It enables us to craft exceptional, bespoke culinary experiences for our guests while maintaining high standards across our supply chain,” he added.

On taxation policies, Kapoor expressed optimism about a leaner structure, stating that streamlined tax policies could improve profitability and operations. He also commented on the provision of a set salary for first-time employees, noting that while its application to the hospitality sector remains unclear, such initiatives would undoubtedly enhance recruitment efforts.

Kapoor concluded by emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and workforce development for the hospitality sector in 2025. “The Budget’s focus on these areas, along with potential tax incentives, will undoubtedly play a significant role in helping us elevate the guest experience at Roseate Hotels and Resorts,” he affirmed.

As the hospitality industry gears up for another year of growth and innovation, the provisions outlined in Budget 2025 are set to create new opportunities for workforce development, sustainable sourcing, and operational efficiency.