India’s fitness industry is entering a high-growth phase as Jerai Fitness Limited and Plus Fitness India announce a strategic collaboration to expand 100 gyms across the country.

The partnership brings together global franchise expertise and over three decades of Indian manufacturing excellence, creating a powerful ecosystem for aspiring gym entrepreneurs. Built on a shared vision of fostering a healthier and fitter India, the collaboration aims to simplify gym ownership while accelerating the growth of organized fitness infrastructure nationwide.

A key highlight of the collaboration is the introduction of a bundled franchise and equipment model. By integrating franchise support with equipment procurement into one streamlined system, the partnership removes vendor coordination complexities and reduces setup delays for new entrepreneurs.

This integrated approach ensures scalability, operational uniformity, and long-term sustainability, making it significantly easier for franchise partners to establish and manage gyms efficiently.

Rajesh Rai, Chairman & MD, Jerai Fitness Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to in-house production. He noted that domestic manufacturing enables quality control, cost efficiency, reduced import dependency, and active support for the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Jerai Fitness Limited is widely recognized as a pioneer in fitness equipment manufacturing, leveraging automated processes such as robotic welding, fully automated assembly lines, and advanced Turkish and Japanese machinery. Its operational strengths span manufacturing, inventory management, distribution efficiency, and customer service, foundations that now support this large-scale expansion.

Plus Fitness India, led by Master Franchisee Siraj Lalani, has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing international gym franchise brands. The network operates over 350 clubs globally across markets including Australia, New Zealand, India, and several Asia-Pacific countries.

The brand’s 24/7 access model, standardized global infrastructure, and technology-driven operations have enabled consistent performance across regions.

According to Faiz Sopariwala, Business Development Head at Plus Fitness India, the collaboration aims not just to open gyms, but to build profitable and sustainable businesses for franchise partners while contributing to a healthier nation.

India’s fitness market is projected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by rising health awareness, corporate wellness initiatives, and evolving lifestyle trends. As per industry estimates, the Indian fitness equipment market, valued at approximately ₹2,500 crore in 2024 is expected to reach ₹4,600 crore by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 13%.

The 100-gym expansion strategy aligns with this rising demand for organized fitness infrastructure across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities.

With Jerai Fitness Limited’s automated manufacturing capabilities and Plus Fitness India’s global franchise credibility, the partnership offers a comprehensive and scalable model for entrepreneurs.

As India continues its shift toward a more health-conscious future, this collaboration marks a strong step toward making world-class fitness infrastructure accessible, affordable, and operationally seamless across the country.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Sushma Khichar, General Manager of Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, shares her perspective on the evolving role of women in the hospitality industry and the significance of creating inclusive workplaces.

From the standpoint of a general manager, she believes Women’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress the hospitality sector has made while also acknowledging the work that still remains. The industry has long benefited from the qualities women bring to the workplace, including strength, sensitivity, adaptability, and the ability to build meaningful guest connections.

She highlights that in recent years, the hospitality industry has witnessed a growing number of women stepping into operational and leadership roles, which signals a positive shift for the future of the sector. According to her, this transformation is encouraging as it not only strengthens organizational culture but also brings fresh perspectives to leadership and service excellence.

In her view, the true spirit of Women’s Day lies in creating inclusive workplaces where women have equal access to opportunities, exposure to leadership, and clear pathways for career advancement. When organisations empower women to lead, it fosters a culture of collaboration, improves guest experiences, and contributes to long-term business success.

She further emphasises that real progress will be achieved when diversity in leadership becomes a natural and consistent part of the industry rather than an occasional milestone. As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, leaders believe that empowering women and encouraging inclusive growth will remain essential to shaping a stronger and more dynamic future.

Noida got a proper taste of Braj this Holi and Spectrum Metro was the venue that made it happen. The mall hosted a special celebration called 'Braj Ka Rang, Spectrum Metro Ke Sang', and it turned out to be exactly what the name promised, a full-on festive evening rooted in the rich Holi traditions of Braj, the land most associated with Lord Krishna's celebrations.

The evening had something for everyone. A graceful Radha-Krishna performance set a devotional tone early on, followed by a visually stunning Phoolon Ki Holi where visitors played with flowers instead of colour powder. Then things picked up with energetic Bollywood dance acts and a pulsating Live DJ that kept the energy going right through the night. Devotion and entertainment, all in one place.

Families, shoppers, and festive-goers all showed up in big numbers, filling the mall with colour, laughter, and celebration. The event was open to all, and the turnout clearly reflected how much people were looking forward to something like this.

Ajendra Singh, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing at Spectrum Metro, summed it up well, "Festivals play a vital role in bringing communities together. Through 'Braj Ka Rang, Spectrum Metro Ke Sang', we aimed to recreate the cultural essence of Holi while offering our visitors a memorable and joyful experience. The overwhelming response truly reflects the strong bond we share with our patrons."

It's becoming clear that malls in the NCR region are stepping up when it comes to festive experiences  and Spectrum Metro just set a pretty high bar for Holi done right