What now for the Taj Mahal Palace hotel?

ByPaul Johnson December 2, 2008

The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Palace & Tower Mumbai has been the scene of a terrible tragedy as we all know from recent news. Ten employees – many in their twenties – lost their lives in the horrendous attack, as well as many guests. The hotel’s site is currently holding an online book of condolence. Today the hotel was officially handed back to the Taj Group but access is still limited. So what now for the hotel? The damage must be extensive. The restaurant is ruined, the bar has been burnt out and many other rooms have been destroyed by fire with the damage reportedly greatest on the fourth and sixth floors. This video gives a brief insight.

The Tata group, which owns the hotel, has vowed to re-build it. Chairman Ratan N. Tata defiantly gone on record as saying:

We will re-build every inch that has been damaged in this attack and bring back the Taj to its full glory.

And good on him. There appears to also be the support of INTACH (the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) which has declared that it would help with the restoration of the historic building. It is far too early to say when the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Palace & Tower Mumbai might re-open but I feel confident that it will.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.

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One Comment

shubhranshu says:

January 27, 2009 at 1:12 am

I think the faith of tourists in the traditions and expectations from the Taj group of hotels will support the group leaders to restore the age old heritage. Though recent terrorist attack was a heinous act but by starting the business again with more firm determination, this Indian group has shown it strength to fight out such disturbing elements.