The Leela wins contract to manage Mahatma Mandir, India's largest convention centre

Hotel Leelaventure stated it has won the competitive bid and management contract to operate India's largest convention and exhibition centre-the 34 acre Mahatma Mandir, and launch the 300 room Leela Gandhinagar which will open by January 2019. Leela said the new hotel will be the state capital's largest hotel. The agreements, effective April 1, 2018, are signed with Gandhinagar Railway and Urban Development Corporation (GARUD) a special purpose vehicle formed by the government of Gujarat with the Indian Railways Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC). "The addition of Mahatma Mandir and The Leela Gandhinagar to our MICE portfolio reinforces our plans to expand further into the international conferences and events space, and underscores our asset light growth strategy," said Vivek Nair, chairman and managing director, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. The 34 acre Mahatma Mandir can accommodate up to 15,000 people and has a convention hall with a seating capacity of 6000 people. The Leela Gandhinagar is located 400 meters from the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre and will have 300 guest rooms and suites. With this announcement, Leela's portfolio includes 10 properties across India.