Aizawl, July 7: In a major boost to Mizoram's tourism sector, the Government of Mizoram on Tuesday signed a Concession Agreement with M/s Hotel Polo Towers Ltd., Shillong, for the redevelopment of the Chaltlang Tourist Lodge into the state's first 4-Star or higher category hotel under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
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| Officials of the Government of Mizoram and Hotel Polo Towers Ltd. exchange the signed concession agreement for the redevelopment of Chaltlang Tourist Lodge into Mizoram's first 4-Star or higher category hotel under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model during a ceremony at the Chief Minister's Office in Aizawl. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
The agreement covers the Design, Build, Finance, Maintain, Operate, Manage and Transfer (DBFMOMT) of the project and marks a significant milestone in strengthening Mizoram's hospitality infrastructure.
The agreement was signed at the Chief Minister's Office in Aizawl. Vanlaldina Fanai, Commissioner and Secretary of the Tourism Department, signed on behalf of the Government of Mizoram, while Prashant Gupta, Chief Financial Officer and Whole-time Director of Hotel Polo Towers Ltd., represented the company.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Lalrinchhana, Principal Adviser-cum-Additional Secretary (Planning), senior officials of the Tourism Department, representatives of Hotel Polo Towers Ltd., and officials from Invest India, which played a key role in facilitating the project.
The redevelopment project was initiated by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) in collaboration with the Planning & Programme Implementation Department of the Government of Mizoram. To attract private investment, the state government organised a roadshow in Kolkata on February 19, 2024, showcasing the project to potential investors under the PPP model.
Officials said Aizawl currently lacks a 4-Star or higher category hotel, making Mizoram the only state in India without such a facility. Recognising the need to improve tourism infrastructure, the government decided to redevelop the existing Chaltlang Tourist Lodge into a premium hotel while retaining ownership of the land.
The project was awarded following a transparent bidding process conducted under the Mizoram Public Procurement Rules, 2020. Advertisements were published in Vanglaini and The Times of India, and an e-tender was floated on the State Procurement Portal on May 16, 2025. Hotel Polo Towers Ltd. emerged as the sole bidder, and after detailed evaluation, its proposal was found to be technically qualified and fully responsive.
Under the concession agreement, Hotel Polo Towers Ltd. will develop and operate the hotel for an initial concession period of 30 years, with provisions for two additional extensions of 10 years each, subject to the terms of the agreement.
The proposed hotel will feature at least 60 guest rooms, with the flexibility to expand by another 40 rooms in the future. Planned facilities include a 24-hour multi-cuisine coffee shop, a specialty restaurant, a lounge, and an Executive Health Club equipped with a gymnasium and spa. The hotel will also be constructed to standards that allow it to be upgraded into a 5-Star property in the future.
According to the agreement, the project site will be handed over to Hotel Polo Towers Ltd. within 45 days of the signing.
Hotel Polo Towers Ltd., headquartered in Shillong, is among the largest hospitality groups in Northeast India. The company currently operates nine hotels and has seven additional projects under development, including PPP projects with the governments of Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland, as well as Indian Railways.
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The project is expected to significantly transform Mizoram's tourism landscape by providing world-class accommodation facilities for business and leisure travellers. It is also projected to create substantial employment opportunities for local residents, attract private investment, enhance tourism potential, and contribute to increased revenue for the state.
Officials expressed confidence that the development of the Chaltlang Tourist Lodge into a premium hotel will position Aizawl as a more competitive tourism destination and support the state's long-term economic growth through improved hospitality infrastructure.
