Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has reiterated the Centre’s intent to exit non-core businesses, arguing that the government has “no business running hotels.” Speaking at Network18’s Reforms Reloaded event, he cited Delhi’s iconic Ashok Hotel as a prime example for privatisation.
“Let’s start with the privatisation of Ashok Hotel in the heart of Delhi. The government of India has no business running a hotel,” Kant said.
The redevelopment of the Ashok Hotel has been part of the ₹6 trillion National Monetisation Pipeline. The plan envisages leasing the five-star property—spread across 11.42 acres with 550 rooms, including 160 suites—to a private operator for 60–99 years under an operate-maintain-develop model. The winning bidder would also refurbish the property to global standards, with possible rights to adjoining land.
Currently, the Centre holds 87.03% in ITDC, which owns the hotel, while IHCL (Tata Group) owns 7.86%. Once finalised, the move could mark one of the most high-profile privatisations in India’s hospitality sector, aligning with the government’s disinvestment and asset monetisation agenda.
Source : Money control
