Railways approve 20 budget hotels for Commonwealth Games

Ahead of the anticipated rush of tourists during the Commonwealth Games 2010, the Railway Ministry has given the green signal to 20 sites for construction of low-cost budget hotels for mid-class spenders. Tourism Ministry sources said a proposal was sent for about 100 sites across the country out of which 20 have been assessed as suitable for the construction of low cost hotels. Construction agencies have been allotted the contracts and work will start soon, the sources said. "A stay in the five-stars can cost one 2000 dollars. There are a very few of those who can afford such a high amount, and those who can, do not find a room here. Such is the state of shortage of rooms in India," Tourism Minister Ambika Soni said.

The Tourism Ministry anticipates a shortage of 150,000 rooms, out which 30,000 rooms would be required in the National Capital Territory of Delhi alone during the Commonwealth Games rush. Eager to cash in on sports tourism, the Ministry is having sleepless nights on a rather subdued response to its call for budget hotels. It has gone to the extent of promising tax rebate to the houses that can give bed and breakfast facility to the tourists. The Minister said she was looking forward to private players pitching in to make up for the room shortage by creating budget hotels.

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