The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai has reopened less than a month after taking centre-stage in the terrorist attack that rocked India’s financial district.
The hotel has put in place new security measures and officials promise an “invisible fortress” with which to guard staff and guests.
Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Group, which owns the hotel through the Indian Hotels Company, said "We propose to dedicate this re-opening of the hotel to the people who have lost their lives. We believe that the opening of this hotel will send a message that we have come alive in a record period of time and play host to everyone as part of this great city."
The Trident portion of the Oberoi hotel complex also reopened on Sunday, though the main areas of both luxury hotels are expected to stay closed for months.
Increased security measures on Sunday night included police barricades outside the Taj, while armed undercover guards kept watch inside.
People walking into the lobby were asked for proof of their hotel reservation. The hotel has also now installed metal detectors as their luggage was scanned through X-ray screening machines.
A temporary memorial has also been set up - a sculpture called the Tree of Life – at the hotel. The names of victims of the November terrorist attacks are displayed next to it.
The Taj Mahal Palace hotel and the sea-front Oberoi were among 10 sites targeted in the terrorist attacks of last month. At the end of the militants' 60-hour standoff with police, 164 people and nine gunmen were dead, including dozens of guests and staff members from the two hotels.
More than $8m (£5.4m) of damage has been done to the Oberoi, with damages to the Trident at an estimated $81,000 (£40,000). Costs for the Taj Mahal Palace are still being assessed.
Hotels set to reopen in Mumbai following terrorist attacks>>
Hotels in India redouble security efforts>>
Surinder Arora urges employees to remain vigilant in the wake of Mumbai bombs >>
Gunmen lose control of Oberoi hotel in Mumbai>>
Mumbai hotels at centre of terrorist attack>>
By Gemma Sharkey
E-mail your comments to Gemma Sharkey here.
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next hotel job here with Caterersearch.com jobs
| | Newsletters
For the latest hospitality news, sign up for our e-mail newsletters. | |