Prayagraj: Once operational, the under-construction, revamped Civil Lines bus depot will offer far more than a transit facility, with a five-star hotel set to be part of an integrated commercial complex in the heart of the city. The hotel will be operated by US-based hospitality chain Wyndham Hotels and Resorts under its Ramada brand, marking the company’s entry into Prayagraj’s rapidly expanding luxury hospitality market.The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has entrusted real estate developer Omaxe Limited with the construction of a modern bus terminal, a shopping mall and a luxury hotel under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The entire project is being developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 1,000 crore. An agreement for the operation of the hotel has already been signed.According to company officials, the 550-room hotel is being built by Omaxe and will be operated under the Ramada brand of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. Company representatives said the international hospitality chain currently operates hotels in several cities, including Varanasi and Agra, and has more than 9,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. The Prayagraj facility will be the brand’s first major project in the city.Punit Kumar, who is overseeing the construction of the bus terminal, shopping mall and hotel complex, said the company generally develops large properties with at least 500 rooms. The proposed facility is expected to cater to tourists, pilgrims, business travellers and visitors arriving in the city throughout the year.The project is expected to further strengthen Prayagraj’s position as an emerging destination for luxury hospitality. The city already has high-end hotels, including ITC Welcomhotel and Radisson, while the Taj Group is constructing a 22-storey five-star hotel on Lajpat Rai Road. Reports also suggest that Radisson is considering another project in the city.Meanwhile, Omaxe has announced plans to build 19 hotels across the country over the next few years, including 12 properties in Uttar Pradesh. Apart from Prayagraj, the projects are planned in Ayodhya, Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Kaushambi in Noida, Gorakhpur and Vrindavan.
