New IRA By Orchid Hotel Opens, Bringing Modern Elegance to Sambhaji Nagar

New IRA By Orchid Hotel Opens, Bringing Modern Elegance to Sambhaji Nagar

By Author

Published on December 23, 2023

Kamat Hotels India Ltd has expanded its Orchid Hotel portfolio with the opening of its fourth IRA outlet in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, formerly known as Aurangabad. This new addition follows the successful launch of IRA in Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, and Nashik.

As guests enter IRA By Orchid, they are greeted with a traditional ‘Namaskar’ welcome, setting the tone for a stay that combines warm hospitality with modern luxury. The hotel features the city's freshest rooms and a stunning rooftop restaurant, ‘Upper Deck’, providing panoramic views and exquisite dining. It also houses elegant banquets, making it an ideal venue for both corporate and social events.

Strategically located near the city's top attractions and corporate hubs, and just a short 15-minute drive from the airport, IRA By Orchid serves as a perfect base for exploring landmarks like the Ajanta Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort.

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The hotel offers a range of meticulously designed rooms, including Deluxe, Premier, and Suite categories. These accommodations blend contemporary design with comfort, catering to all travel needs. Guests can enjoy amenities like centralized air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, in-room safes, and non-smoking rooms.

Dr. Vithal Kamat, Chairman of Kamat Hotels India Ltd, shared his enthusiasm for welcoming guests to the new IRA outlet. He highlighted the Kamat brand's dedication to exceptional food and banquet services and expressed his vision for IRA as a model for future expansion in the Marathwada region.

Vishal Vithal Kamat, Executive Director of KHIL, further added that in line with IRA's philosophy, the hotel will contribute 1% of its sales to community welfare, focusing on the education of the Girl Child and collaborating with grassroots organizations to positively impact the Sambhaji Nagar community.

This new venture promises to elevate the hospitality experience in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, offering guests a unique blend of modern luxury and traditional charm.


Indian Railways Launches First Hydrogen-Powered Train on Jind–Sonipat Route

Indian Railways Launches First Hydrogen-Powered Train on Jind–Sonipat Route

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2026

 Indian Railways has introduced the country's first indigenously built hydrogen-powered passenger train, marking a significant step in its clean transportation journey. Named NaMo Green Rail, the train will operate on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the hydrogen-powered locomotive ahead of its maiden journey, describing the launch as an important milestone in India's vision of becoming both self-reliant and environmentally sustainable.

With the launch, India joins a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that have introduced hydrogen-powered passenger rail services. Germany was the first country to launch a commercial hydrogen-powered train fleet in 2022.

Designed, engineered and built entirely in India, NaMo Green Rail emits only heat and water vapour, making it a zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered trains. The initiative forms part of the government's broader efforts to expand hydrogen-based mobility and reduce carbon emissions across the transport sector.

The 10-coach train has a seating capacity of around 2,600 passengers and can operate at speeds of up to 75 km/h. It will run two return trips daily on the 90-kilometre route connecting Jind and Sonipat.

One of the key highlights of the new service is its affordable pricing. According to railway officials, ticket fares start at ₹5, with the highest fare capped at ₹25, depending on the distance travelled. Passengers on the inaugural service were also able to purchase tickets priced at ₹5.

Although Indian Railways has already electrified nearly all of its 70,000-kilometre rail network, hydrogen-powered trains provide a practical solution for routes where complete electrification may not be feasible.

The introduction of NaMo Green Rail aligns with the government's ambition to make Indian Railways net-zero by 2030, while supporting India's wider clean energy goals through increased adoption of hydrogen, renewable energy and other sustainable technologies.


Soy Soi Brings ‘Embers of Grills’ to Chennai with Asian Charcoal-Grilled Specialties

Soy Soi Brings ‘Embers of Grills’ to Chennai with Asian Charcoal-Grilled Specialties

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2026

Soy Soi, one of Chennai's leading destinations for Pan Asian cuisine, is celebrating the rich traditions of Asian charcoal grilling with its limited-time food promotion, 'Embers of Grills', available at its Kotturpuram outlet until July 19, 2026.

Inspired by the bustling satay stalls of Kuala Lumpur, Japan's robata grills, and the charcoal street food culture of Bangkok, Hanoi and Chengdu, the promotion brings together authentic open-fire cooking techniques from across Southeast and East Asia.

The specially curated menu highlights Soy Soi's signature grilled dishes alongside regional favourites, offering guests an opportunity to experience the bold, smoky flavours that have become synonymous with Asian charcoal grilling.

Among the featured dishes are Moo Ping with Spicy Peanut Sauce, featuring Thai-style marinated pork skewers; Ga Nuong – Grilled Chicken Leg, prepared with fragrant lemongrass and charcoal-grilled to perfection; Spiced Tofu Kin, made with Burmese spices and chilli paste; and Xinjiang Lamb Skewers, seasoned with cumin and served alongside a numbing Sichuan chilli sauce.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant street food culture of Asia, Embers of Grills recreates the experience of live charcoal cooking in a restaurant setting through bold marinades, authentic flavours and a menu designed to cater to a variety of preferences.

With this special promotion, Soy Soi invites guests to savour the distinctive taste of charcoal-grilled cuisine and explore the diverse grilling traditions that continue to define some of Asia's most loved culinary destinations.

Event Details:

  • Venue: Soy Soi, Gandhi Mandapam Road, Chitra Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai – 600085

  • Dates: Till July 19, 2026

  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM


Maize & Malt Introduces Rose Jalebi Tres Leches in Bengaluru

Maize & Malt Introduces Rose Jalebi Tres Leches in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2026

Riding the wave of one of the internet's most popular dessert trends, Maize & Malt has introduced its latest creation, Rose Jalebi Tres Leches, offering a fresh take on the classic milk-soaked cake with flavours inspired by Indian sweets.

Tres Leches has become a favourite among dessert lovers worldwide, with creative variations appearing across cafés and restaurants. Adding its own signature touch, Maize & Malt has combined the richness of the classic dessert with the familiar flavours of crispy jalebi and fragrant rose.

The dessert features a soft and airy sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk, topped with crunchy jalebi and finished with delicate rose notes. The combination brings together traditional Indian flavours and the creamy texture of Tres Leches, creating a dessert that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

Designed for those who enjoy discovering new food trends as well as lovers of Indian-inspired desserts, the Rose Jalebi Tres Leches adds a distinctive option to Bengaluru's growing dessert scene.

The dessert is now available at Maize & Malt, located at 3, 4th Cross Road, near Whitefield, Vigneshwar Nagar, Kaveri Nagar, Mahadevapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560048.

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