Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal in talks to invest $1 Million in space drone startup Kalam Labs

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March 9, 2026

Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal in talks to invest $1 Million in space drone startup Kalam Labs — Harshit Awasthi, Sashakt Tripathi and Ahmad Faraaz, co-founders, Kalam Labs

Deepinder Goyal, founder of Zomato, is reportedly in advanced discussions to invest around $1 million (approximately Rs 9 crore) in space technology startup Kalam Labs, according to people familiar with the matter.

The proposed investment will form part of a broader funding round worth $5–7 million. In addition, other investors such as Globaz Technologies are expected to participate in the round, sources indicated.

Based in Lucknow, Kalam Labs focuses on developing near-space drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), that can operate in the stratosphere. These drones can fly significantly higher than most conventional drone systems currently in operation.

The startup began its journey in 2018 and operates under the leadership of founders Harshit Awasthi, Sashakt Tripathi, and Ahmad Faraaz. All three founders graduated from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, around 2022.

Initially, Kalam Labs launched as an edutainment platform that streamed live science classes for children. However, the company later pivoted toward developing advanced drones capable of operating at near-space altitudes while maintaining minimal thermal signatures.

According to the founders, these characteristics allow the drones to remain difficult for radar systems to detect or intercept.

The founders also explained that the company builds its aerial vehicles at a cost similar to standard drone manufacturing. However, they claim the drones deliver capabilities closer to those of mini fighter jets. The founders presented this concept while pitching the startup on the television reality show Shark Tank India, where Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt, invested in the company.

Kalam Labs also gained public visibility through its involvement in the Indian film Fighter, which featured actors Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. Furthermore, the startup counts venture investors such as Lightspeed and Y Combinator among its backers.

Investor interest in drone technology startups has grown significantly in India over the past year, particularly following Operation Sindoor. Drones increasingly play a critical role in modern warfare and defence applications, which has accelerated investment in the sector.

The potential Kalam Labs investment would represent one of Goyal’s smaller bets in the startup ecosystem. Nevertheless, the move highlights his growing interest in frontier technologies and deeptech ventures.

Recently, Goyal has invested in several advanced technology initiatives, including space technology startup Pixxel, wearable technology company Temple, aviation venture LAT Aerospace, and Continue, a longevity-focused research initiative.

Reports previously indicated that Goyal was also in discussions to invest $25–30 million (approximately Rs 220–270 crore) of his personal wealth into Pixxel.

Separately, Temple recently raised $54 million (around Rs 490 crore) from investors, including Steadview Capital, Vy Capital, Peak XV Partners, and Info Edge.

Earlier this year, while announcing his decision to step down as chief executive officer of Eternal, Goyal explained his motivations for exploring new ventures. He stated, “This transition allows Eternal to remain sharply focused while giving me the space to explore ideas that do not fit Eternal’s risk profile.”

Deepinder Goyal’s potential investment in Kalam Labs highlights a growing trend among prominent entrepreneurs to back deeptech and frontier innovation. As drone technology becomes increasingly critical in sectors such as defence, aerospace, and surveillance, startups like Kalam Labs are attracting attention from influential investors who aim to support the next generation of advanced technology companies.

WeWork India expands beyond coworking with new design-and-build platform Rivet

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March 9, 2026

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WeWork India expands beyond coworking with new design-and-build platform Rivet — Karan Virwani, Managing Director & CEO of WeWork India

WeWork India has launched Rivet, an end-to-end design-and-build (D&B) platform designed for enterprises that want to create customised office spaces, as demand for integrated workplace solutions continues to grow in India’s commercial real estate sector.

The new platform offers enterprises a single-contract model that covers design, engineering, and construction. As a result, the system replaces the traditional multi-vendor approach that companies usually use for office fit-outs. Karan Virwani, managing director and chief executive officer of WeWork India, highlighted the market potential behind the initiative.

Commenting on the launch, Virwani said that India’s workplace landscape is evolving rapidly. Over the past eight years, we have built deep insight into how enterprises operate and how workspace shapes performance, while designing, evaluating, and operating over 8.2 million square feet across markets. Working with businesses of varying scales and sizes and a broad partner ecosystem has given us real-time understanding of what truly drives workplace success. Rivet brings that experience together into an integrated platform by combining behavioral insight, operational depth, and execution capability. It is built to deliver premium commercial workspaces that perform at scale, with the precision and confidence that enterprises demand.

“In terms of market size, the design-and-build segment in India is valued at roughly $30-40 billion today and has been growing at around 8% annually, according to industry reports. We are also seeing this in our own business, where companies are spending more on office environments,” Virwani added.

Rivet primarily targets large enterprises, global capability centres (GCCs), and companies that want customised workplaces outside the traditional flexible workspace model. Over the past year, WeWork India has already delivered design-and-build projects worth Rs 55 crore across major cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune.

The company also stated that Rivet builds on its experience designing and managing more than 8.2 million square feet of workspace across India. Additionally, the platform will use technology-driven planning tools such as building information modelling (BIM) and real-time site monitoring to improve cost efficiency and project execution timelines.

Virwani explained the platform’s operational approach and said, “It is a turnkey solution where we handle everything, from evaluating the space to designing, constructing, and delivering it to the customer. We also manage the multiple vendors involved in executing such projects.”

Alongside the launch, the company promoted Arnav S Gusain to chief executive officer of Rivet while he continues to serve as chief supply officer at WeWork India.

“As we launch this new vertical, Arnav takes on the role of CEO of Rivet, bringing deep domain expertise and a proven track record. With over three decades of experience, he brings a holistic understanding of the real estate and workspace ecosystems. In his capacity as Chief of Supply at WeWork India, he has been instrumental in expanding our portfolio and strengthening delivery capabilities. Furthermore, backed by an experienced team that has delivered large-scale projects across markets, we are committed to building Rivet into the benchmark for end-to-end workspace delivery in India,” Virwani added.

Gusain explained that the platform will serve businesses across various industries, although the company expects strong demand for tailored workspaces. He said, “The design-and-build segment is quite fragmented, with multiple vendors and operators involved in most projects. Having experienced these challenges ourselves, we believe there is an opportunity to bring greater efficiency and transparency to clients.”

Virwani also revealed that Rivet could contribute approximately 10 percent of WeWork India’s total revenue in the future.

The launch comes at a time when India’s office market is experiencing strong momentum. According to research by JLL, gross office leasing in India reached 83.3 million square feet in 2025. Consequently, many companies now prefer customised office environments that promote collaboration and boost employee productivity.

Furthermore, Rivet reflects WeWork India’s broader strategy to expand beyond flexible workspaces and move toward a comprehensive workspace-as-a-service model. Currently, the company operates 73 centres across eight cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, and Hyderabad, and it manages more than 1.21 lakh desks.

Rivet will compete with other managed workspace and office design-and-build platforms in the market, including Awfis Build as well as offerings from IndiQube, Skootr, and TableSpace.

The launch of Rivet marks a strategic move by WeWork India to diversify beyond coworking and tap into the rapidly growing design-and-build market for enterprise workspaces. By offering a single-contract, technology-driven solution, the company aims to simplify office development while meeting the rising demand for customised, productivity-focused workplaces across India.

Arnya Real Estate Fund secures ₹1,030-Cr first close to invest in Mumbai and Pune projects

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March 9, 2026

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Arnya Real Estate Fund secures ₹1,030-Cr first close to invest in Mumbai and Pune projects — Sharad Mittal, founder and chief executive officer of Arnya Real Estates Fund Advisors

Arnya Real Estates Fund Advisors, in partnership with real estate developer Supreme Universal, has completed the first close of its Arnya Real Estate Fund—Equity and secured investment commitments worth Rs 1,030 crore from domestic and international investors. The fund will deploy the capital across residential real estate projects in Mumbai and Pune.

Sharad Mittal, founder and chief executive officer of Arnya Real Estates Fund Advisors, explained that the firm is already exploring redevelopment opportunities in Mumbai. He said, “There are a couple of redevelopment transactions under negotiation, and we will start looking at those transactions as soon as we do the first close. The larger focus of the fund is to look at redevelopment as a strategy in Mumbai.”

Mittal further noted that the company has raised most of the capital from domestic investors. However, the fund has also attracted selective participation from investors in the Middle East and Singapore. He added that the investor base mainly consists of family offices and high-net-worth individuals.

Arnya launched the fund in November 2025 with a target corpus of Rs 1,250 crore. The company now expects to complete the final close within the next two months. Meanwhile, both partners have contributed a total sponsor commitment of Rs 220 crore to the fund.

Mittal also outlined the firm’s investment strategy and scale of deployment. He said, “From a portfolio creation perspective, we are looking at approximately eight to 10 transactions in total. On average, each investment would be between Rs 125 crore and Rs 150 crore. This fund has a seven-year life.”

Currently, Arnya manages assets worth nearly Rs 1,800 crore. Under the partnership, Supreme Universal will take responsibility for executing the residential development projects supported by the fund.

Sunny Bijlani, joint managing director at Supreme Universal, highlighted the importance of institutional capital in the evolving real estate market. He said, “As the real estate sector evolves, the quality and structure of capital have become as important as execution capability. Institutional partnerships such as this bring discipline, transparency, and long-term alignment into redevelopment projects. Together, we are building a model where institutional capital and on-ground execution expertise converge to deliver premium projects for homeowners and consistent outcomes for investors.”

Mittal also clarified that Arnya currently operates through two investment strategies: debt and equity. He said, “This equity platform is what is keeping us busy right now. In the next financial year, we will see if any interesting opportunity comes up to plan something new.”

Arnya’s successful first close reflects strong investor confidence in structured real estate investment platforms focused on redevelopment opportunities. With institutional capital, strategic partnerships, and a clear focus on premium residential projects in Mumbai and Pune, the fund aims to create value for homeowners while delivering stable returns for investors over the next seven years.

Silicon Valley AI startup Integral AI targets Japan’s industrial robotics market

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March 9, 2026

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A Silicon Valley–founded artificial intelligence startup Integral AI Inc., has turned its focus to Japan to demonstrate how AI can transform one of the world’s largest industrial robot supply chains.

The five-year-old startup founded by former Google researchers Jad Tarifi and Nima Asgharbeygi, develops AI models designed for automated systems such as robots and self-driving vehicles. Since 2021, the company has collaborated with auto parts manufacturer Denso Corp. to train industrial robots to learn new capabilities by observing demonstrations.

At the same time, the 15-person startup has started early discussions with major Japanese corporations, including Toyota Motor Corp., Sony Group Corp., Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co., and Mitsui Chemicals Inc. Through these conversations, the company aims to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can improve manufacturing efficiency and automation.

Furthermore, Tarifi explained that the next stage will allow a human operator to give a robot a language command such as “make a coffee,” after which the robot will independently learn how to complete the task. This capability could significantly change how machines learn and adapt within industrial environments.

Japan already holds a dominant position in the robotics industry. Companies such as Fanuc Corp. and Yaskawa Electric Corp. rank among the world’s leading industrial robot manufacturers. Meanwhile, SoftBank Group Corp. is acquiring the robotics unit of ABB Ltd., which further strengthens the country’s robotics ecosystem. Additionally, automation specialists such as Mitsubishi Electric Corp. and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. contribute to the sector’s growth.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, Japanese companies deliver roughly 29 percent of the global supply of industrial robots. However, Tarifi believes the country still has a gap to address in artificial intelligence capabilities. As he explained, “Japan is strong in robotics, but they’re not strong in AI and computing.”

Tarifi, who established Google’s first generative AI team in 2013, belongs to a growing group of AI researchers who believe the brain’s neocortex holds the key to building advanced AI systems. These scientists study how humans learn as children and attempt to replicate that process in artificial intelligence models.

Therefore, Tarifi aims to design AI models that can extract knowledge from smaller datasets while also processing new information without erasing previously learned data. This approach plays a crucial role in continuous learning systems.

As a result, such models could allow companies to advance physical AI technologies and tackle complex challenges such as designing new batteries, discovering advanced materials and drugs, and powering humanoid robots. Tarifi emphasized that these applications could redefine how industries deploy artificial intelligence.

Ultimately, the company wants to enable organizations to train robots that can build other robots. Tarifi explained the broader vision clearly: “They might build a cooking robot, they might build a cleaning robot, or they might build a factory robot that builds an iPhone.”

Moreover, the ability for machines to learn independently could reduce the need for constant software updates. Tarifi noted that current large language models, including ChatGPT from OpenAI and Gemini from Google, depend heavily on human-guided training processes. Consequently, this dependence can limit flexibility, efficiency, and reliability.

Tarifi’s personal history also shaped his motivation to work on physical AI. After facing life-threatening conditions as a child in war-torn Lebanon, he developed a strong belief that artificial intelligence must influence the physical world rather than remain limited to digital systems. He expressed this belief during a 2024 interview with Nikola Danaylov, author of Conversations with the Future: 21 Visions for the 21st Century, on the Singularity.FM podcast.

So far, Integral AI has raised approximately $5.5 million in funding. Now, the startup aims to secure another $10 million in a new funding round to expand its AI model and prepare it for a public release.

Although this amount appears small compared with the massive investments that large technology companies pour into artificial intelligence, Tarifi believes it is sufficient for algorithm development. After the company launches its Genesis AI model later this year, it plans to pursue larger investments to scale operations.

Danaylov commented on the company’s ambitious approach and said, “The company’s claims are extremely bold.” He also added, “But when you can’t afford to use or recreate the paradigm, you have no other option but to invent a new one.”

Integral AI is positioning itself at the intersection of robotics and artificial intelligence by developing systems that allow machines to learn tasks independently. By targeting Japan’s powerful robotics industry and collaborating with leading manufacturers, the startup aims to accelerate the development of physical AI systems capable of transforming manufacturing, automation, and advanced robotics worldwide.

Enterprise tech firm KaarTech bags $11 Million to expand enterprise tech capabilities

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March 9, 2026

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KaarTech has secured USD 11 million (around Rs 100 crore) in a new funding round led by Playbook Partners, as the enterprise technology firm plans to accelerate growth and expand its international presence, according to media reports.

Playbook Partners managing partner Vikas Choudhury said that the company is helping large enterprise clients migrate their systems to the cloud from on-premises infrastructure. It is also helping these companies become AI-ready.

Founded in 2006, the Chennai-based company delivers SAP-led digital transformation services to enterprises. The firm provides a wide range of solutions, including SAP implementation and support, cloud and data services, artificial intelligence-driven automation, analytics, and managed services. Consequently, businesses rely on the company to modernize and streamline their operational systems.

According to regulatory filings, the company approved the issuance of 4,00,520 Series B compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) at an issue price of Rs 2,496.75 per share. Through this issuance, the company raised the capital from Playbook Partners to strengthen its financial position and support expansion plans.

The company plans to allocate the newly raised capital toward capital expenditure, business expansion, and general working capital requirements. Furthermore, the funding will help the firm enhance its enterprise technology capabilities and scale its global operations.

The investment has valued KaarTech at nearly Rs 2,100 crore (approximately USD 231 million) on a post-money basis. Earlier in 2023, the company had already secured USD 30 million from A91 Partners to support its strategic expansion initiatives.

KaarTech has also demonstrated strong financial performance. The company increased its revenue by about 56 percent year-on-year, reaching Rs 718 crore in FY25 compared to Rs 458 crore in the previous fiscal year. Moreover, the firm returned to profitability and reported a net profit of Rs 7.74 crore after posting a loss in FY24.

Entrepreneurs Maran Nagarajan, Ratnakumar N., Selvakumaran Manickam, and Gaurdian George founded the company to help enterprises manage and optimize their business operations through digital transformation technologies.

The latest funding round marks another milestone for KaarTech as it strengthens its position in the enterprise technology and SAP transformation ecosystem. Strong revenue growth, renewed profitability, and support from strategic investors position the company to accelerate innovation, expand internationally, and help enterprises advance their digital transformation journeys.

AnnYatra launches first vegetarian fine dining restaurant in Delhi NCR

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March 7, 2026

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India’s culinary scene has welcomed a distinctive new entrant with the launch of AnnYatra, a vegetarian fine-dining destination that has opened its first flagship outlet in Delhi NCR. With this debut, the restaurant introduces a fresh perspective on Indian cuisine while redefining how diners experience regional food traditions across the country.

The concept positions the dining experience as a culinary journey rather than a conventional menu. Consequently, AnnYatra presents Indian cuisine as an unfolding narrative where each course represents a different region of India. Furthermore, chefs interpret ingredients, traditions, and culinary philosophies from various states through a contemporary approach while maintaining deep respect for their authentic roots. As a result, guests enjoy an immersive dining experience that stimulates both the senses and the intellect.

Moreover, the restaurant’s philosophy emphasizes storytelling through food. Each dish highlights regional inspiration while blending traditional techniques with modern culinary expression. Therefore, diners experience India’s diverse culinary heritage through a carefully curated sequence of courses that unfold like chapters in a gastronomic narrative.

At a time when vegetarian dining often appears either deeply traditional or driven by trends, AnnYatra occupies a distinctive space within the industry. The restaurant focuses on refined vegetarian fine dining that celebrates Indian cuisine with precision, intention, and authenticity. Additionally, chefs place seasonal produce, indigenous grains, and heirloom spices at the heart of the menu. They prepare these ingredients with thoughtful technique and restraint, thereby demonstrating that plant-forward cuisine can remain sophisticated while preserving soulful regional identity.

The flagship restaurant’s design also reflects the brand’s philosophy of understated elegance. The interiors maintain an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience without overwhelming the space. Consequently, the design allows the cuisine, pacing, and storytelling to remain the focal point of the experience. Meanwhile, the hospitality approach remains intuitive and relaxed, which enables guests to move smoothly through the progression of courses from beginning to end.

Sharing the philosophy behind AnnYatra, Deepak Tandon, founder of the brand, said, “AnnYatra began with a desire to honour India’s culinary diversity in its truest form. This first outlet is not about scale but about setting the foundation, creating a space where vegetarian cuisine is celebrated with depth, dignity, and refinement. It is an invitation to experience India not through excess, but through understanding.”

The launch of AnnYatra in Delhi NCR signals a growing evolution within India’s vegetarian dining landscape. By blending regional storytelling, seasonal ingredients, and contemporary culinary techniques, the restaurant aims to elevate plant-based cuisine into a thoughtful fine-dining experience. As the brand begins its journey, AnnYatra positions itself as a destination where gastronomy, culture, and mindful dining converge.

Nvidia sets $4 Million target cash bonus for CEO Jensen Huang under FY2027 plan

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March 7, 2026

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Nvidia sets $4 Million target cash bonus for CEO Jensen Huang under FY2027 plan — Jensen Huang, Founder & CEO, Nvidia

Nvidia has introduced a new variable compensation plan for fiscal 2027, and the company has set a target cash bonus of $4 million for its chief executive officer, Jensen Huang, according to a regulatory filing released on Friday.

Moreover, Nvidia’s compensation committee approved the plan on March 2, and the structure directly links executive cash bonuses to the achievement of specific revenue targets for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2027. Consequently, the incentive framework aims to align executive compensation with the company’s long-term financial performance.

Previously, Huang received total compensation of $49.9 million in 2025. Notably, stock awards valued at $38.8 million accounted for the majority of that compensation, according to another regulatory filing released in May last year.

Meanwhile, the latest filing comes shortly after Nvidia reported stronger-than-expected financial results for the January quarter. Additionally, the company projected current-quarter revenue above Wall Street estimates, thereby reinforcing expectations that major technology companies will continue investing heavily in artificial intelligence processors.

Furthermore, Nvidia—currently the world’s most valuable company—has forecast fiscal first-quarter sales of $78 billion, with a possible variation of plus or minus 2%. Therefore, the outlook highlights sustained demand for the company’s AI-driven semiconductor products.

Nvidia’s fiscal 2027 compensation structure reflects the company’s strategy to closely align executive incentives with revenue growth and long-term performance. By linking CEO Jensen Huang’s potential $4 million cash bonus to revenue targets, Nvidia underscores its focus on sustained financial expansion while benefiting from strong global demand for artificial intelligence chips and advanced computing technologies.

Luxury asian dining brand KOKO opens restaurant in Mumbai’s Oberoi Garden City

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March 7, 2026

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Luxury asian dining brand KOKO opens restaurant in Mumbai’s Oberoi Garden City — Ryan Tham & Keenan Tham, founders of Pebble Street Hospitality

Luxury Asian dining brand KOKO, operated by Pebble Street Hospitality, has expanded its presence in Mumbai with the launch of its second restaurant in the city at International Business Park, Oberoi Garden City. With this opening, the brand now operates four restaurants across India. Moreover, the new outlet introduces KOKO’s signature high-energy, share-style dining experience to Mumbai’s western suburbs.

The new restaurant blends luxury, sophistication, and indulgence while delivering a dynamic dining atmosphere. At the same time, the venue highlights refined Cantonese cuisine and Japanese cuisine influences, thereby offering guests a memorable culinary journey.

Spanning approximately 5,500 square feet, the Goregaon outlet accommodates 116 guests and caters to office professionals, local residents, and Mumbai’s urban community. Furthermore, the venue smoothly transitions from a daytime dining space into a vibrant evening destination, thereby delivering layered and immersive guest experiences throughout the day.

The interior design integrates multiple experiential zones to enhance the dining environment. Lavish mouldings, radiant lighting, and expansive glazing frame bold statement artworks and origami-inspired lighting fixtures. Consequently, varying scales, lighting textures, and spatial arrangements encourage guests to discover new visual elements during each visit.

Additionally, the property features a curved wall that serves as a dramatic backdrop for the cocktail lounge. The lounge can operate independently for private events; therefore, it ensures that special gatherings do not disrupt the main dining space. Meanwhile, designers have incorporated Asian-inspired furniture, fabrics, and decorative motifs, which they have reinterpreted through a contemporary design lens to create refined luxury aligned with Mumbai’s vibrant urban culture.

The culinary program operates under the leadership of Eric Sifu and KOKO’s experienced culinary team. Together, they present a menu that showcases refined Cantonese-Japanese craftsmanship. Moreover, the menu balances signature indulgent dishes with elevated vegetarian offerings, while also featuring a carefully curated Jain menu to cater to diverse dining preferences.

Speaking about the launch, Ryan Tham & Keenan Tham, founders of Pebble Street Hospitality, said in a joint statement, “KOKO Goregaon captures the western suburbs’ vibrant momentum. Nestled in prestigious Oberoi Garden City, we’ve created a refined haven for office professionals, corporate honchos powering through lunches, luxury residents enjoying after-work cocktails, and suburban families savoring memorable dinners amid Goregaon’s corporate-residential surge. Every element from cuisine craftsmanship to design details reflects our commitment to elevated, immersive guest experiences.”

The opening of KOKO in Goregaon marks another significant milestone for Pebble Street Hospitality as it expands its premium Asian dining concept across India. By combining immersive design, high-energy dining, and refined Cantonese-Japanese cuisine, the new restaurant aims to redefine luxury dining experiences in Mumbai’s western suburbs while catering to the city’s dynamic corporate and lifestyle-driven audience.

Polo Hotels Group expands Northeast footprint with new five-star hotel project in Silchar

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March 7, 2026

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Polo Hotels Group expands Northeast footprint with new five-star hotel project in Silchar — Deval Tibrewalla, Chief Executive Officer of Polo Hotels Group

The Assam cabinet has approved the development of Silchar’s first five-star hotel, which Polo Hotels Group will build with an investment of approximately ₹103 crore. Consequently, the decision marks a major step toward strengthening the tourism, business, and events ecosystems of the Barak Valley.

While announcing the approval, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, said, “Today, our cabinet has given a go-ahead to construct a five-star hotel in Silchar to Polo Hotels Group. The Polo Hotels Group will be spending around 103 crore rupees on this project. This is going to be the first five-star hotel in Silchar.”

The project will introduce international-standard luxury hospitality infrastructure to the Barak Valley for the first time. Therefore, the initiative will position Silchar, the commercial and administrative hub of Southern Assam, to host high-value travel, corporate engagements, and large-scale events.

The proposed luxury hotel will feature 100 premium rooms and suites. Moreover, designers will align the rooms with global hospitality benchmarks while reflecting the cultural character of the Barak Valley.

Additionally, the property will include several high-end amenities to cater to leisure and business travelers. The hotel will feature multiple specialty restaurants and bars, a resort-style swimming pool, a full-service spa and wellness centre, and a modern fitness facility. Furthermore, developers will build state-of-the-art banquet and conference spaces capable of hosting corporate summits, exhibitions, weddings, and government events.

Industry experts highlight that India’s hospitality sector has witnessed a strong recovery in recent years. According to tourism estimates, the country recorded more than 2.3 billion domestic tourist visits in 2023. At the same time, demand for MICE tourism—Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions—has expanded rapidly across emerging regional cities.

The Silchar project also forms part of an ambitious expansion strategy by Polo Hotels Group, one of Northeast India’s most established hospitality brands. Meanwhile, the company is currently constructing 10 additional hotels across Meghalaya, Tripura, West Bengal, and Nagaland. As a result, this expansion pipeline will significantly increase the group’s presence across Eastern and Northeastern India.

Moreover, these projects will position the company among the largest hospitality operators headquartered in Northeast India. Consequently, the expansion reinforces the group’s long-term commitment to developing world-class tourism and hospitality infrastructure across the region.

Deval Tibrewalla, Chief Executive Officer of Polo Hotels Group, said, “Silchar is one of the most important gateway cities in Northeast India and has the hospitality infrastructure required to support its growing economic and institutional importance. This project is not just about building a hotel; it is about enabling the next phase of growth for the Barak Valley. As a company rooted in the Northeast, we see it as our responsibility to bring world-class experiences to emerging cities and unlock their full potential. The Silchar hotel, along with our expanding pipeline across the region, reflects our long-term commitment to building the largest and most trusted hospitality platform in Northeast India.”

Furthermore, the Silchar hotel project will generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities across the region. At the same time, the development will support local businesses, producers, and service providers throughout the Barak Valley.

Once the hotel becomes operational, it will establish a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Southern Assam. Consequently, Silchar will gain the capacity to host national-level conferences, policy meetings, corporate gatherings, and destination events that the city previously could not accommodate due to the lack of premium hospitality infrastructure.

Additionally, the development reflects a broader shift within India’s hospitality industry. Increasingly, emerging regional cities are becoming the next frontier for tourism growth and business travel infrastructure.

Polo Hotels Group stands among the largest hospitality companies in Northeast India. The company operates a diverse portfolio of upscale hotels and resorts across several key destinations in the region. Moreover, the group has built a reputation for pioneering hospitality developments in underserved markets while combining contemporary design, service excellence, and deep regional expertise to deliver distinctive guest experiences.

Onora Hospitality signs heritage retreat juSTa Darkwood Lodge & Spa in Shimla’s Jakhu Hills

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March 7, 2026

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Onora Hospitality, the parent company of boutique hospitality brand jüSTa Hotels & Resorts, has signed a heritage-style retreat in the forested surroundings of Jakhu Hills, the highest point in Shimla. With this signing, the group will introduce its sixth property in Himachal Pradesh, thereby strengthening its presence in the region’s growing leisure hospitality market.

Currently, the company operates several properties across the state. These include resorts and hotels in Mashobra, Dharamshala, Manali, and Palampur. In addition, the company manages a property under the Bookmark Resorts portfolio in Manali. The newly signed hotel will officially open its doors in mid-March.

Located at an elevation identified as Point 7707, the upcoming property sits around 700 metres from the iconic Mall Road Shimla and approximately 500 metres from the revered Jakhu Temple. The property, named juSTa Darkwood Lodge & Spa, occupies a late-19th-century residence that once served as the home of a British engineer who contributed to Shimla’s early water supply infrastructure. Notably, the engineer played a role in developing the Seog Reservoir and its surrounding catchment area.

Developers have carefully restored the heritage structure; therefore, the property now meets modern hospitality standards while preserving the architectural charm typical of historic hill-station residences. As a result, the building maintains its original character while delivering contemporary guest comforts.

Moreover, the property sits within a cedar forest and connects directly to an established forest trail. This trail leads toward the Seog Bagh area through Sanjauli and Jakhu, thereby offering guests a nature-focused walking experience that reflects the region’s historic landscape.

“With this signing, jüSTa Hotels & Resorts further strengthens its footprint in high-potential leisure destinations across North India, with a focus on character-rich properties that deliver authentic and memorable guest experiences,” said Ashish Vohra, founder & CEO, Onora Hospitality.

Designers have used deodar wood extensively throughout the structure, and consequently the interiors showcase the colonial-era architectural style associated with Shimla. At the same time, designers have interpreted traditional craftsmanship through a modern design approach. Each room offers views of the surrounding forest, while the property will feature three distinct room categories that differ in layout and spatial configuration.

Furthermore, the boutique retreat will include a full-service spa, dedicated yoga spaces, and indoor recreation facilities. Guests will also participate in guided nature walks, which will further enhance the experiential stay. In addition, the hotel will feature an English-style café overlooking the forest, thereby providing a tranquil alternative to the bustling environment of Mall Road.

Although the lodge stands close to Shimla’s main commercial hub, the surrounding forest ensures a quiet and secluded atmosphere. At the same time, convenient vehicular access and on-site parking will address logistical challenges that visitors often face in hilly destinations with limited accessibility.

Through the upcoming launch of juSTa Darkwood Lodge & Spa, Onora Hospitality continues to strengthen its presence in Himachal Pradesh’s premium leisure hospitality segment. By combining heritage restoration, nature-centric experiences, and boutique luxury, the brand aims to deliver a distinctive stay experience while further expanding its footprint across the Himalayan tourism market.

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