Monday, October 26, 2026
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Radisson Hotel Group expands India portfolio with 10 hotel signings

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Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has strengthened its presence in India by signing 10 new hotels across seven states, expanding its portfolio through six brands: Radisson Blu, Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Individuals Premier, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson and Radisson Individuals Retreats.

The latest signings reinforce the group’s expansion strategy across pilgrimage, business, leisure and wildlife destinations while growing its presence in both established and emerging hospitality markets.

The new portfolio includes properties in key religious tourism hubs such as Tirupati, Mathura Vrindavan and Kadapa. RHG has signed Radisson Hotel Tirupati (115 rooms), Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Mathura Vrindavan (87 rooms) and Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Kadapa Airport (45 rooms), adding branded accommodation to destinations witnessing strong demand from pilgrims.

In Bengaluru, the group has expanded its development pipeline with the signing of Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Bengaluru (150 rooms), Park Inn by Radisson Electronic City (112 rooms) and Lavish Hotel Bengaluru, a member of Radisson Individuals Premier (113 rooms). These additions will complement the group’s existing operational hotels and pipeline in the city while catering to corporate, MICE and leisure travellers.

RHG has also strengthened its upper-upscale resort portfolio by signing Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Jawai (200 rooms) and Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Vadodara (155 rooms). In the wildlife and leisure segment, Jungle Home Resort Tadoba, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats, marks the group’s entry near Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Meanwhile, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson properties in Nainital and Kalaburagi further expand the company’s presence in emerging leisure and business destinations.

Speaking on the expansion, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “India’s hospitality growth story is no longer confined to its top metros; it’s being written in its temple towns, its business corridors, and its wildlife circuits. These 10 signings reflect a deliberate strategy: layering our upscale brands into high-barrier gateway markets while using asset-light, franchise-led models to scale quickly into underserved tier-2 and tier-3 cities. It’s this dual approach for us, depth in the metros and breadth in the emerging markets, that continues to set our India growth apart.”

Davashish Srivastava, Vice President – Development, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, added, “Behind these 10 signings is a strong pipeline of partnerships built over the past several months. What makes this portfolio particularly noteworthy is its diversity, ranging from greenfield developments and resort projects to conversion opportunities and hotels in emerging pilgrimage and wildlife destinations. This reflects growing owner confidence in Radisson Hotel Group’s ability to offer the right brand, market-smart deal structures and faster speed to market. As development opportunities become increasingly diverse across India, our focus remains on creating tailored solutions that maximise long-term value for our partners while accelerating high-quality portfolio growth.”

The latest signings highlight Radisson Hotel Group’s continued focus on expanding through an asset-light growth strategy while strengthening its presence across diverse hospitality segments. By adding properties in pilgrimage destinations, major business hubs, resort markets and wildlife locations, the group continues to broaden its portfolio to meet evolving travel demand across India.

CLS launches ₹200-Cr hospitality-led mixed-use project in Pune

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Curated Living Solutions (CLS), a DivyaSree Group company and one of India’s leading managed living platforms, has announced the launch of its first hospitality-led mixed-use development in Pune, marking the company’s strategic entry into hospitality-focused real estate. Curated Living Solutions (CLS) and Arista Developers will develop the ₹200 crore project in the Koregaon Park Annexe corridor in East Pune, featuring a 200-  key hospitality project, premium retail spaces, and branded residences.

The development is being undertaken jointly by Curated Living Solutions (CLS) and Arista Developers, a Pune-based real estate company with more than two decades of experience. The hospitality component will be professionally operated by Alivaa Hotels & Resorts under a long-term master lease arrangement.

The announcement represents another milestone in CLS’s expansion strategy following the successful launch of Codename EMI in Balewadi, further strengthening the company’s presence in Pune’s growing real estate market.

Situated in Mundhwa, adjoining Koregaon Park, the project offers connectivity to Kharadi, Magarpatta City, Hadapsar, Kalyani Nagar, Viman Nagar, EON IT Park, World Trade Center Pune and Pune International Airport. Designed for business travellers, consultants, expatriates and long-stay corporate guests, the development integrates hospitality infrastructure with premium retail and branded residences within a professionally managed mixed-use ecosystem.

As part of the launch, CLS also introduced its Hospitality Investment Plan (HIP), a proprietary investment framework designed to make professionally managed hospitality assets more accessible to investors. Under the HIP model, investors own hospitality units, while Alivaa Hotels & Resorts manages hotel operations, guest services, revenue management, maintenance and brand operations.

The project adopts a Build–Sell–Leaseback model and operates under a 29-year master lease, including a 12-year lock-in period. This structure provides investors with a professionally managed ownership experience while eliminating their operational responsibilities.

The launch comes as East Pune continues to witness sustained growth in corporate travel, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), IT services, consulting firms and extended-stay business demand. The corridor covering Koregaon Park, Kharadi, Magarpatta and Hadapsar has emerged as one of Pune’s strongest hospitality markets, driving demand for professionally managed accommodation and institutional-grade hospitality assets.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jai Kishan Challa, Founder & CEO, Curated Living Solutions Pvt. Ltd., said, “CLS has always focused on identifying emerging real estate opportunities driven by changing consumer behaviour and market demand. Hospitality is now evolving into one of the most promising real estate asset classes in India. With this project, we are entering the hospitality sector through a professionally managed mixed-use development that combines hospitality, retail and branded residences within a single ecosystem.

At the same time, we are introducing the Hospitality Investment Plan (HIP), our structured investment framework that enables investors to participate in professionally managed hospitality assets without the complexities of operating them. We believe this model aligns with the evolving expectations of today’s investors, who increasingly seek professionally managed, income-generating real estate opportunities.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Vijay Advani, Director, Arista Developers, said, “East Pune has transformed into one of India’s most vibrant commercial corridors, creating sustained demand for high-quality hospitality infrastructure. Our partnership with CLS brings together strong local development expertise and institutional project planning to deliver a landmark mixed-use development that responds to the changing needs of both investors and business travellers.”

Mr. Vikramjit Singh, Founder & CMD, Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, added, “Professionally managed hospitality assets are becoming increasingly important as guest expectations continue to evolve. Our role is to ensure operational excellence across every aspect of the development—from guest experience and occupancy generation to revenue optimisation and service delivery. We are pleased to partner with CLS and Arista Developers in creating a professionally managed hospitality destination that sets new benchmarks for the sector.”

The development further strengthens CLS’s managed living portfolio, which now comprises more than 13,000 managed beds across student housing, co-living, industrial housing and managed residential assets in major cities including Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and other key markets.

With its first hospitality-led mixed-use development in Pune, Curated Living Solutions aims to establish an institutional-quality hospitality ecosystem while introducing a professionally managed investment model through the Hospitality Investment Plan (HIP). The project also reflects the company’s broader strategy of expanding across high-growth real estate segments while addressing rising demand for professionally managed hospitality assets in India’s urban markets.

Lords Hotels & Resorts continues its Gujarat expansion with the opening of Its 27th hotel in Sanand

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Lords Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the launch of Lords Inn Sanand, a contemporary business hotel strategically located in the heart of Sanand GIDC, one of Gujarat’s fastest-growing industrial and manufacturing destinations.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of corporate, business and leisure travelers, Lords Inn Sanand seamlessly blends modern comfort with the brand’s signature hospitality. The hotel features 70 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, offering modern amenities and comfortable interiors to ensure a productive and relaxing stay.

Guests can savour an exceptional dining experience at Blue Coriander, the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant serving an extensive selection of Indian and international delicacies. Whether for business lunches, family dinners, or casual dining, the restaurant offers a welcoming ambience and memorable culinary experiences.

The hotel also offers versatile banquet and meeting facilities, including the well-appointed Chancellor Banquet Hall, an ideal venue for corporate conferences, training programmes, product launches, weddings, and social celebrations. A dedicated boardroom can further cater to executive meetings and business discussions.

Conveniently located at just an hour’s drive from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, and in proximity to major industrial establishments in Sanand, the hotel is well positioned to serve the growing influx of business travelers visiting the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Pushpendra Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts, commented:

“Sanand has rapidly established itself as one of Gujarat’s most significant industrial and manufacturing destinations, attracting leading businesses and professionals from across the country. The launch of Lords Inn Sanand marks another important milestone in our expansion strategy, enabling us to serve the growing demand for quality hospitality in emerging business hubs.

Sudhir Jena, Vice President Corporate further added:

“Gujarat continues to be a key growth market for Lords Hotels & Resorts, and Sanand represents a strategic addition to our expanding portfolio. With its excellent location, contemporary design, and commitment to warm Indian hospitality, Lords Inn Sanand reflects our vision of delivering reliable, value-driven experiences.”

Commenting on the launch, Shiladitya Mukherjee, AVP Operations, added:

“With the launch of Lords Inn Sanand, we are committed to delivering a seamless and comfortable stay experience through well-appointed accommodations, attentive service, and quality dining. Every aspect of the guest experience has been thoughtfully curated to reflect the signature Lords hospitality, blending true value, genuine care, and personalized service to create memorable stays.”

About Lords Hotels & Resorts

Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s leading mid-market hospitality brands, known for delivering quality stays across leisure, business, and pilgrimage destinations in India and Nepal. With a steadily expanding portfolio, the brand remains committed to offering value-driven experiences backed by reliable service and warm hospitality.

Omega Seiki Mobility raises Rs 50-Cr to scale EV manufacturing

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Electric commercial vehicle manufacturer Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) has raised Rs 50 crore in a funding round backed by Securocorp Securities, Sangeeta Pareekh, Saket Aggarwal Family Office, and Vanshika Sharma. The fresh investment is expected to support the company’s next phase of growth as demand for commercial electric vehicles continues to rise in India.

The funding comes at a time when India’s commercial EV ecosystem is witnessing increased investments, driven by the rapid adoption of electric mobility across logistics, e-commerce, and urban transportation. For Omega Seiki Mobility, the latest capital infusion is aimed at strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and expanding its market reach.

The company will utilize the newly raised capital to increase its manufacturing capacity while enhancing its research and development (R&D) capabilities. A portion of the investment will also be allocated to expanding its dealer and service network across India and supporting the rollout of its next-generation electric mobility solutions.

These initiatives are expected to help the company strengthen its position in the country’s growing commercial EV segment.

Founded in 2018 by Uday Narang, Omega Seiki Mobility operates in India’s commercial electric vehicle market with a portfolio that includes electric three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and light trucks catering to last-mile logistics and transportation needs.

The Delhi-based company operates under the Anglian Omega Group and runs manufacturing facilities in Faridabad and Pune.

During FY26, Omega Seiki Mobility reported approximately Rs 333 crore in revenue and Rs 7.3 crore in profit after tax (PAT). The company also posted an EBITDA margin of 7.7 percent, reflecting its operational performance during the fiscal year.

OSM serves customers across logistics, e-commerce, food delivery, and other industries. Its client portfolio includes Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, BigBasket, Porter, Maersk, and Nestlé.

The company has established a presence across multiple segments of India’s commercial EV industry and intends to broaden its product portfolio further. Its expansion strategy includes cargo three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, premium electric two-wheelers, and electric light commercial vehicles.

To strengthen vehicle adoption, Omega Seiki Mobility has also partnered with financial institutions and green mobility companies, including cKers Finance and Mufin Green, to facilitate retail financing and fleet deployment.

The latest Rs 50 crore funding round provides Omega Seiki Mobility with additional resources to expand production capacity, accelerate product development, and strengthen its nationwide sales and service network. As the company continues to diversify its commercial EV portfolio and scale operations, it aims to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions across India’s logistics and mobility sectors.

Lords Hotels signs 112-room Sambhav Villa in Pushkar

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Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Lords Sambhav Villa, Pushkar, further expanding its footprint in Rajasthan and reinforcing its presence in one of the state’s most prominent spiritual destinations.

The upcoming hotel will be located approximately 1.5 km from Brahma Mandir and is scheduled to welcome guests in September 2026. The project forms part of the hospitality group’s continued growth strategy across India’s leisure and spiritual tourism markets.

The property will feature 112 contemporary guest rooms along with a range of guest amenities. Planned facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, a banquet hall with adjoining lawns, a swimming pool, and a dedicated children’s play area.

Pushkar remains a year-round destination for pilgrims and has also witnessed increasing demand for destination weddings, social celebrations, and MICE events. Reflecting these market trends, Lords Sambhav Villa has been designed to serve a diverse mix of leisure travellers, wedding attendees, corporate groups, and visitors exploring the town’s religious landmarks.

The signing aligns with Lords Hotels & Resorts’ broader expansion strategy focused on strengthening its presence in key leisure and spiritual tourism destinations across India.

The company said it looks forward to welcoming guests to Lords Sambhav Villa, Pushkar, when the new property opens in September 2026. The addition is expected to enhance the brand’s portfolio in Rajasthan while catering to the growing demand for quality accommodation in one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations.

Stripe eyes $10 Bn OpenRouter acquisition to expand AI infrastructure presence

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Payments giant Stripe is reportedly exploring the acquisition of AI model marketplace OpenRouter in a deal valued at around $10 billion, according to a report. If completed, the transaction would represent a significant jump from OpenRouter’s $1.3 billion valuation achieved in May following its latest funding round.

The potential acquisition highlights growing interest in AI infrastructure companies that simplify access to multiple large language models as enterprises increasingly adopt artificial intelligence across their operations.

In an interview, OpenRouter co-founder and CEO Alex Atallah described the company as the AI equivalent of Stripe. “A lot of what we do is try to help people find the right vendor for the job,” he said, referring to OpenRouter’s role in helping customers avoid dependence on a single AI provider.

Founded in 2023, OpenRouter provides developers with access to more than 400 large language models from over 70 providers through a single API. Its platform supports models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, xAI, DeepSeek, as well as several open-source providers.

Rather than requiring businesses to integrate separately with each AI provider, OpenRouter enables customers to route requests through one platform. The system automatically selects a model based on factors including cost, speed, and performance, allowing organizations to optimize workloads without modifying their existing applications.

The platform has gained traction as companies increasingly rely on different AI models for different use cases. Rising AI adoption has also driven higher computing costs, encouraging enterprises to seek flexible solutions that reduce expenses while minimizing vendor lock-in. Marketplace platforms such as OpenRouter allow businesses to switch between AI providers more efficiently without rebuilding their technology stacks.

Investor confidence in the company has continued to grow. In May, OpenRouter secured $113 million in a Series B funding round led by Alphabet’s CapitalG, taking its valuation to approximately $1.3 billion. Existing investors Andreessen Horowitz, Menlo Ventures, and Sequoia also participated in the financing.

For Stripe, the reported acquisition would strengthen an existing commercial relationship, as OpenRouter already relies on Stripe to process payments. Bringing the startup into its portfolio could expand Stripe’s role in AI infrastructure while giving it greater exposure to the technology layer that connects enterprises with multiple AI providers.

Competition in this segment is also intensifying. As organizations deploy workloads across multiple AI models, several companies are building platforms that simplify model selection, routing, and payment management. Cursor has recently introduced its own routing product, while Databricks offers comparable capabilities for enterprises operating across multiple AI models.

If the reported discussions result in an agreement, the acquisition would rank among the largest deals in the AI infrastructure sector and further demonstrate the growing strategic importance of platforms that help enterprises manage an increasingly diverse AI ecosystem.

Waymo considering to end Uber partnership amid operational disputes

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Alphabet’s robotaxi company Waymo is reportedly evaluating the future of its partnership with Uber following a deterioration in relations between the two companies, according to a report published, citing people familiar with the matter.

Following the report, Uber’s shares closed down 4.3%.

According to the sources, Waymo has held internal discussions about ending its collaboration with Uber, a partnership that was first announced in 2023.

The report said the companies have increasingly disagreed over both operational and commercial issues.

Waymo has reportedly expressed concerns about the cleanliness of its vehicles and the routing of rides. Meanwhile, Uber has criticized the unexpected unavailability of Waymo vehicles during bad weather and argued that the partnership operates under “unsustainable financial terms,” according to the report.

The report quoted a person familiar with the matter as saying that the two companies were “pursuing diverging objectives.”

The report also stated that Waymo has informed Uber of its intention to enter these markets independently in January 2028, when the existing contract permits.

Neither Waymo nor Uber could immediately be reached for comment. Reuters said it could not independently verify the report.

The reported tensions follow the companies’ decision in late June to end their self-driving partnership in Phoenix, Arizona.

Waymo is considering ending its partnership with Uber as the companies face growing operational and commercial disagreements. While neither company has commented publicly Waymo is reportedly planning to expand independently into these markets beginning in January 2028, in line with its contractual timeline.

PhonePe reports FY26 revenue of Rs 7,920-Cr as registered users cross 700 Million

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PhonePe reported consolidated revenue from operations of Rs 7,920 crore in FY26, according to regulatory filings submitted to the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

The company recorded a top-line increase of Rs 815 crore, representing an 11.47% year-on-year growth compared with the previous fiscal year.

PhonePe said it has not recognized revenue related to the UPI Digital Incentive (DI) for FY26 because the government has yet to release the incentive funds to the industry. The company expects this portion of the FY26-related DI revenue to be reflected in its FY27 financial statements.

On a normalized operational basis, PhonePe reported a net loss of Rs 1,377 crore for FY26. Its total consolidated net loss stood at Rs 2,792 crore, compared with Rs 1,727 crore in FY25.

The company noted that its FY26 net loss included several one-time items, including a one-time ESOP acceleration charge, a non-cash goodwill impairment, a gain on the sale of a partial stake in an associate, and losses from discontinued operations.

Beyond its core digital payments business, PhonePe continued to strengthen its position as a multi-sector fintech ecosystem.

The company has secured regulatory licenses to operate across multiple financial services segments, including payment aggregation, insurance broking, wealth management, and lending.

PhonePe also continues to receive strong backing from global institutional investors, with Walmart, through WM Digital Commerce Holdings Pte Ltd, retaining a 73.33% stake in the company.

Founded in December 2015, PhonePe has grown into one of India’s leading fintech platforms, focusing on digital inclusion for both consumers and merchants. The company recently announced that it has surpassed 700 million lifetime registered users and 50 million lifetime registered merchants, with a significant presence across Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4 cities, and beyond.

PhonePe delivered 11.47% revenue growth in FY26, with consolidated revenue reaching Rs 7,920 crore, even as reported net losses increased due to multiple one-time items. With pending UPI Digital Incentive revenue expected in FY27, expanding financial services offerings, and more than 700 million registered users, the fintech company continues to strengthen its position in India’s digital financial ecosystem.

Union Living targets Rs 90-Cr revenue this fiscal on growing demand for co-living housing

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Co-living space operator Union Living is aiming to more than double its revenue to around Rs 90 crore in the current fiscal, supported by robust demand for managed rental housing accommodation.

The Mumbai-based company reported revenue of Rs 38 crore in the 2025-26 fiscal and is now targeting significant growth as the co-living segment continues to gain traction among urban renters.

Union Living currently operates 16 co-living centres across Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Gurugram, with a combined capacity of 3,000 beds.

The company caters to both students and working professionals, offering accommodation at prices ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 80,000 per bed.

The revenue target reflects the company’s growth ambitions as demand for professionally managed rental housing continues to rise in key urban markets.

Union Living is seeking to achieve revenue of around Rs 90 crore this fiscal after reporting Rs 38 crore in FY26. Backed by a portfolio of 16 co-living centres and increasing demand for managed accommodation among students and professionals, the company is positioning itself for accelerated growth in India’s co-living sector.

Alliance Hotels and Resorts adds Hotel Sea Princess in Mumbai to premium hospitality portfolio

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Alliance Hotels and Resorts has strengthened its footprint in India’s premium hospitality sector by adding Hotel Sea Princess in Juhu, Mumbai, to its growing portfolio.

Situated on Juhu Beach, Hotel Sea Princess has recently undergone a comprehensive renovation, introducing redesigned guest rooms, many of which offer views of the Arabian Sea. The property’s location provides convenient access to Mumbai International Airport and major commercial districts, including Andheri and the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), making it an attractive option for both business and leisure travellers.

As part of the partnership, Alliance Hotels and Resorts will oversee the hotel’s sales and marketing initiatives to strengthen its market presence and broaden its reach across leisure, corporate, MICE, and individual business travel (IBT) segments throughout India.

The collaboration is also expected to highlight the hotel’s upgraded facilities to a wider audience while enhancing its visibility in the domestic hospitality market.

Looking ahead, Alliance Hotels and Resorts said it plans to continue expanding its network with the addition of new partner hotels and resorts in Chennai, Mahabalipuram, and Sri Lanka in the near future.

The addition of Hotel Sea Princess marks another step in Alliance Hotels and Resorts’ expansion strategy, reinforcing its presence in the premium hospitality segment. With a renewed focus on sales, marketing, and market visibility, alongside planned additions in Chennai, Mahabalipuram, and Sri Lanka, the company is continuing to broaden its hospitality portfolio across key destinations.