Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed a greenfield project for a 125-key Gateway hotel in Sambalpur, Odisha, expanding the hospitality company’s presence in the state.
The planned Gateway Sambalpur will cater to the city’s growing business and economic activity, while also targeting demand from conferences, weddings, social events and leisure travellers. The project is being developed in partnership with Shamsher Singh Hura of JAS Group.
This deal reflects IHCL’s growth trajectory, aligning with hotel signings and announcements.Gateway enters Sambalpur
The signing brings IHCL’s Gateway brand to Sambalpur, a city that has emerged as an important commercial and industrial centre in Odisha. Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River, Sambalpur also has a strong cultural and educational identity and serves as the headquarters of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited.
The city’s proximity to the iconic Hirakud Dam, historic temples and other regional attractions adds a leisure and tourism dimension to its established industrial and business base.
Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said,
“Re-imagined Gateway’s proposition of authentic local experiences and contemporary comfort resonates strongly with travellers in emerging markets. Sambalpur has evolved as a key business and economic hub in Odisha, supported by a growing industrial ecosystem, increasing demand for business travel, conferences, weddings and social events. We are pleased to partner with Shamsher Singh Hura for this hotel project.”
125 rooms and multiple dining options
Gateway Sambalpur will feature 125 rooms, along with an all-day dining restaurant, speciality restaurant and bar. The hotel will also include a fully equipped gym and swimming pool, providing facilities for both business and leisure guests.
The combination of accommodation, dining and recreational facilities is intended to support the needs of travellers visiting Sambalpur for business as well as those seeking leisure stays in the region.
Banqueting targets weddings and conferences
The hotel will have more than 10,000 sq ft of banquet space for weddings and social events, supported by multiple meeting rooms for conferences.
The events infrastructure is designed to address the growing demand for organised venues in Sambalpur, covering both social celebrations and business gatherings. The combination of banquet and meeting facilities will allow the property to serve weddings, conferences and other group requirements.
JAS Group partners with IHCL
Shamsher Singh Hura, JAS Group, said,
“We are delighted to partner with IHCL to bring the Gateway brand to Sambalpur. With its growing prominence as a commercial, cultural and tourism destination, Sambalpur is witnessing an increasing demand for quality hospitality. We believe this hotel will set a new benchmark for the region, offering contemporary hospitality while celebrating the rich heritage and distinctive character of Western Odisha. We look forward to creating a landmark destination for both business and leisure travellers.”
The partnership brings IHCL and JAS Group together on a hotel positioned around Sambalpur’s expanding commercial activity and its cultural and tourism appeal.
IHCL expands Odisha portfolio
The Gateway Sambalpur signing will take IHCL’s Odisha portfolio to eight hotels, including three properties currently under development.
The expansion gives IHCL a presence in another of Odisha’s key regional markets, with Gateway Sambalpur designed to serve business travel alongside conferences, weddings, social occasions and leisure demand. For Sambalpur, the project adds branded hotel accommodation and dedicated meetings and events infrastructure to a market supported by industrial, educational, cultural and tourism activity.

