Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, the Hotel Association of India (HAI) has called on policymakers to prioritise sector-specific reforms to drive growth and strengthen resilience in the hospitality sector. The industry body reiterated its long-standing demand for infrastructure status and extension of industry benefits to hotels.

Sharing the hospitality industry’s expectations, HAI President K B Kachru said the hotel sector deserves due recognition for its significant contribution to GDP, employment generation, and foreign exchange earnings. Kachru, who is also Chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, urged policymakers to address structural challenges impacting the sector’s growth.

“The hotel sector should be given due recognition for its significant contribution to GDP, jobs, and foreign exchange earnings. The key policy interventions are according the infrastructure status and allowing industry benefits to hotels,” Kachru said in a statement.

He noted that granting a harmonised infrastructure status to the hotel industry would enable easier access to finance, longer loan tenures, and lower interest rates, helping reduce project delays caused by funding constraints. According to Kachru, this would also encourage fresh investments and unlock the sector’s full potential to generate employment, supporting India’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Viksit Bharat.

Kachru further emphasised the need to improve the ease of doing business by reducing the number and cost of approvals, NoCs, and clearances required to build and operate hotels. “A single-window clearance mechanism is a provision that requires urgent attention. Reinstating the rewards scheme for forex earnings and offering higher rates of depreciation for hotels are also recommended,” he added.

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Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) has announced the appointment of Kumar Chinnasamy as its new Director of Engineering, strengthening the leadership team at one of the city’s leading hospitality and MICE destinations.

With over a decade of experience in hotel engineering and technical operations, Chinnasamy brings expertise across preventive maintenance, energy management, sustainability initiatives, and large-scale infrastructure operations within luxury and upscale hospitality environments. Known for his hands-on leadership approach, he has successfully managed complex engineering functions while ensuring operational efficiency, safety compliance, and guest comfort.

Prior to joining NHCC, Chinnasamy held senior engineering roles with leading hospitality brands including Accor Hotels and Indian Hotels Company Limited (Taj Group), contributing to the smooth operations of large-format hotels and integrated hospitality assets.

In his new role, Chinnasamy will oversee the complete engineering and maintenance operations of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and the Hyderabad International Convention Centre. His responsibilities include strengthening asset management, driving energy optimisation, enhancing sustainability practices, and supporting the property’s long-term operational excellence.

Commenting on his appointment, Kumar Chinnasamy said, “I am delighted to join Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre at a time when the property continues to evolve as a leading hospitality and MICE destination. I look forward to working closely with the team to enhance engineering excellence, drive sustainable practices, and support seamless guest experiences across the hotel and convention centre.”

Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, added, “We are delighted to welcome Kumar to the NHCC leadership team. His technical acumen, operational discipline, and forward-thinking approach will play a key role in strengthening our engineering function and supporting the property’s continued growth.”

Punjab Grill, the flagship North Indian dining brand from Lite Bite Foods, has marked a new milestone with the opening of its 57th outlet at Lakeshore, Viviana Mall, Thane. The launch reinforces the brand’s steady expansion across key urban markets while bringing its heritage-driven culinary offering closer to diners in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The newly opened restaurant reflects Punjab Grill’s signature design language, an elegant blend of warmth, nostalgia, and modern sophistication. Thoughtfully curated interiors and a welcoming ambience create a versatile dining environment suited for family gatherings, business lunches, and celebratory occasions.

Staying true to its culinary philosophy, the menu showcases Punjab Grill’s well-known repertoire inspired by the royal kitchens of undivided Punjab, age-old recipes, and the region’s vibrant food culture. Guests can expect robust flavours, slow-cooked preparations, and meticulously crafted dishes that balance authenticity with contemporary presentation.

Commenting on the launch, Rohit Aggarwal, Founder and Managing Director, Lite Bite Foods, said, “Thane has emerged as a dynamic dining destination with an audience that values quality, legacy, and innovation. With our 57th outlet at Viviana Mall, we aim to address this growing demand by offering an immersive dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of North India.”

With this addition, Punjab Grill continues to strengthen its nationwide presence, reaffirming its commitment to celebrating heritage-led cuisine while evolving with modern dining preferences. The Thane outlet represents the brand’s focus on expanding into high-footfall urban centres with a strong appetite for premium dining experiences.