BNR hotel: Awaits renovation

Ranchi, Dec. 31: The 91-year-old Bengal Nagpur Railway Hotel, popularly known as BNR, in Ranchi is being leased out to Patna based-Sujata Hotel Pvt Ltd, owners of Chanakya chain of properties. The group will also take over BNR, Puri, declared a heritage structure in 1998.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), which had taken over BNR hotels from the Indian Railways in January 2006, invited bids in November to develop, maintain and operate the hotels for 15 years.

“Chanakya was the highest bidder at Rs 15.5 crore. There is an investment clause, which the bidder has to meet, to give a facelift and add new building to the hotel,” said a senior official of IRCTC, on condition of anonymity. He added that there was a bidder from Ranchi, too.

A four-star property, Chanakya celebrated its silver jubilee recently.

Vijay Kochar, the director of Chanakya, confirmed receiving the letter of intent and said they would sign an agreement in a couple of days.

“We will add a new block of 60 rooms with several upmarket facilities in the first phase of development. Renovation of the existing building maintaining its heritage ambience is also on the cards,” he added.

“A restaurant and a bar would be added. Besides, we are considering a swimming pool. We will seek at least star three or four status. The landscaping would be a delight for Ranchiites,” he said. Kochar added that the new block would aesthetically blend with the existing façade to maintain the heritage look.

Upbeat after bagging the deal, the Chanakaya director said their trump card would be an A-class conference-cum-banquet hall for over 1,000 persons. “The deal has been finalised on the basis of revenue sharing,” he added.

For travellers to Puri and Ranchi, the South Eastern Railway offers an exclusive package of rail-cum-hotel-booking with a special reservation quota.

The single-storied hotel at Ranchi, having 17 rooms, is ideally located near the Ranchi station.

With an occupancy rate of 50 per cent, the hotel is mostly occupied by people coming to Ranchi for official meetings. The new partner aims to attract tourists as well as businessmen.

BNR Hotel at Puri, on the other hand, is popular among holidaymakers. With its 34 well-furnished rooms, the property offers a timeless grace of Victorian vintage.

R.N. Roy, the manager of BNR, Ranchi, said Chanakya officials had already made an on-the-spot survey of the hotel.