At the Network18 Reforms Reloaded event, G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant reiterated the Centre’s stand on exiting non-core businesses, emphasising that the government has “no business running hotels.” Citing Delhi’s iconic Ashok Hotel, he called it a prime example for privatisation.
The redevelopment of the five-star property is a key part of the INR 6-trillion National Monetisation Pipeline. The plan involves leasing the hotel—spread over 11.42 acres with 550 rooms, including 160 suites—to a private operator for 60–99 years under an operate-maintain-develop model.
The successful bidder will be expected to refurbish the property to global standards, with potential development rights to adjoining land parcels. This move aims to upgrade one of India’s most recognisable hospitality assets while reducing the Centre’s direct role in running it.
Currently, the government holds 87.03% in the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), which owns the Ashok Hotel. IHCL (Tata Group) holds a 7.86% stake. The disinvestment will open doors to strategic private operators with deep hospitality experience.
If completed, the Ashok Hotel deal will become one of the most high-profile privatisations in India’s hospitality sector. It reflects the government’s larger disinvestment and asset monetisation agenda, targeting non-core public sector enterprises to unlock value and improve efficiency.