Ahmedabad-based Nirma Group is preparing to enter the hospitality sector as part of a broader diversification strategy, according to people familiar with the matter. The Rs 12,207-crore conglomerate, which operates across detergents, soaps, soda ash, caustic soda, cement, and healthcare, has already applied for environmental clearance to develop a five-star hotel aimed at the upper-upscale segment of the market.
According to the same sources, the proposed development involves a 555-room hotel planned along the Sarkhej–Gandhinagar (SG) Highway, which continues to emerge as one of Ahmedabad’s fastest-growing commercial corridors. At the same time, the group has initiated discussions with multiple multinational hotel operators, including Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), Hyatt Hotels, and Marriott International. However, people aware of the negotiations noted that the group has not yet finalized any operating agreement.
Looking ahead, the hotel will commence operations ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Consequently, the project aims to capitalise on increasing demand for premium accommodation, driven by global sporting events as well as sustained growth in corporate travel. Meanwhile, an email sent to a Nirma Group official seeking comment did not receive a response until press time.
Commenting on the broader market dynamics, Nandivardhan Jain, founder and chief executive of hotel investment and branded residences advisory firm NOESIS, said, “The depth of demand we are seeing today is very different from what it was even a few years ago.”
