Everyone knows small is big.

So, capsule hotels, invented in Japan, perfected in the US as pods and now all set to take Jamshedpur by storm, may score small on size but hit it out of the park where savings go.

The first pod hotel of eastern India, Pod & Beyond, will debut in Jamshedpur's busy Kalimati Road, Sakchi, next week.

An initiative of city entrepreneur Ravish Ranjan, Pod & Beyond will introduce the concept where hotel stays are charged hourly and space and facilities customised to a guest's requirement.

Anyone who's been to Pod 39 or Pod 51 in New York City will know what to expect in a pod.

If not, here's the deal. Pods provide affordable, basic accommodation for guests who do not need the services of a standard hotel. Many budget business travellers or families who are perhaps waiting to catch a connecting train don't need welcome drinks, chocolates or six oversized pillows.

The pod concept is a winner for the hotel too, as it can substantially increase their revenue by selling their inventory twice in a day, as and when the scope comes, as guests are charged hourly.

"Many times, consultants, business travellers and families are forced to pay more in a city where they intend to spend only a few hours. This happens with travellers are on business trips or want to board a connecting train. Here, we provide a complete package as per your need. The minimum charge is Rs 499 for two hours, which comes with complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi and only those facilities the guest needs," said Ranjan, the owner of Pod & Beyond, who is involved with other businesses in IT and training sectors.

Designed by Pracheta Mehrish, a Delhi-based architect, Pod & Beyond in Sakchi currently has two floors ready.

For professionals who travel solo, Pods & Beyond will offer 14 bunk pod beds equipped with a locker, a drawer for toiletries and luggage. Visitors can book pods for two, four, eight and 24 hours with customised tariffs.

Then, there are bunk pods, twin pods, quadra pods designed as per customer needs. For those looking for more than basic, there's a Queen Pod that comes with a queen-sized bed, a television and a refrigerator.

Most important, Ranjan said, each floor has a separate lobby area where strangers can make friends.

"Making real-time friends is better than social networking. Each pod is an experience. When strangers meet, they speak and start creating a network, a community. And if you want to keep to yourself, we will ensure privacy everywhere," said Ranjan who has travelled to Singapore, New York City, Cambodia and parts of Europe for his research for more than a year.

Ranjan is already eyeing his next pit stops Calcutta and Noida. "The concept is such a winner that the entrepreneur in me is enthused," he said.

The idea of a capsule hotel started in 1979 in Osaka, Japan, and soon gained currency among budget travellers. Capsules opened in China, Belgium and Iceland. Pod hotels, which are an upgraded form of capsules, are also known as micro hotels.