Archive: January 3, 2024

Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels firms up presence in Himachal Pradesh, unveils new property in Mcleodganj

Bangalore, 3rd January 2024: Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, India’s fastest-growing hospitality brand, celebrated the opening of its 7th property in the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh. The new property, Regenta Inn Luxinna, Bhagsung, is located in the serene hill town of Mcleodganj, a suburb of Dharamshala.

Chander K Baljee, Chairman, and Managing Director of Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, stated, “The tourism sector plays a crucial role in the state of Himachal Pradesh, directly impacting the State Gross Domestic Product (SGDP). Recent heavy rainfall disrupted national highways and other roads, bringing the state to a standstill. Now that travel is returning to normal, we are pleased to welcome tourists back to the state with the launch of Regenta Inn Luxinna, Bhagsung. With stringent safety measures and our renowned signature hospitality, we believe that Regenta Inn Luxinna, Bhagsung, will be the preferred choice for discerning leisure and business travelers.”

Nestled amidst lush green cedar woods, beneath pristine blue skies and snow-capped mountain peaks, at an awe-inspiring altitude of 7010 feet in the majestic Himalayas, Regenta Inn Luxinna Heights Bhagsunag, Mcleodganj, offers a perfect blend of serenity, comfort, luxury, and connectivity. The property features 28 well-appointed rooms, including Studio Balcony, Premium Balcony, and Executive Balcony rooms, each with a private balcony offering unparalleled views of the lush valley. The property’s standout feature is the exquisite open rooftop terrace, where guests can relax, dine, or enjoy a barbecue night while immersing themselves in the crisp mountain air and the enchanting starry skies above, creating an ideal haven for reconnecting with nature.

Philip Logan, COO of Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, expressed, “We are thrilled to continue expanding our presence in Himachal Pradesh, a traveler’s paradise. With a strong footprint across India, we remain committed to expanding our presence in both popular and iconic locations to redefine the hospitality landscape of the country. The stunning location of Regenta Inn Luxinna, Bhagsung, and the hotel’s design philosophy, seamlessly blending modern amenities with old-world charm and decor, is certain to resonate with every traveler. We are confident that Regenta Inn Luxinna Heights, Bhagsunag, will soon become a landmark property in the city, redefining sophistication in the world of hospitality while immersing guests in authentic local experiences.”

In addition to offering the most mesmerizing valley views in town, the property’s all-day dining restaurant, ‘Pinxx,’ serves seasonal specialties from the region along with delectable Indian, Chinese, Oriental, and Continental cuisines throughout the day, catering to every palate. The property also provides small meeting room facilities for business meetings, conferences, parties, and other gatherings at the ‘Orchid Hall,’ which is equipped with all the necessary amenities for corporate meetings or social events.

Located at a convenient distance from Gaggal Airport Dharamshala and Pathankot Railway Station, the centrally located property enjoys excellent connectivity to NH503 highway and is comfortably close to all major tourist attractions in the city, including Bhagsunag Temple, Bhagsunag Waterfall, Dal Lake, Indru Nag Paragliding Site, and the Dalai Lama Monastery.

IndiGrid wins two Inter-state transmission projects with over INR 1,000 Cr capex

Mumbai, Tuesday,3rd January 2024: IndiGrid [BSE: 540565 | NSE: INDIGRID], India’s first listed power sector infrastructure investment trust (InvIT), today announced that it has received Letters of Intent (“LOI”) from REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited for construction of two greenfield inter-state transmission projects, won through the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mechanism. Both projects are to be developed on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis for 35 years. With a total estimated capital expenditure of over INR 1,000 crores, both projects have a construction timeline of ~24 months each.

The first project, with annual transmission charges of ~INR 530 million post-commissioning, is for the evacuation of power from the Dhule 2GW renewable energy zone. The project includes the construction of a 400/220 kV pooling station of 4×500 MVA capacity along with a 400 kV D/C line of ~70 km.

The second project, with annual transmission charges of ~INR 625 million post-commissioning, is for the establishment of the Western Region Expansion Scheme XXXIII (WRES-XXXIII) Part-C. The project includes construction of two substations in Madhya Pradesh – a 765 /400 kV substation of 2×1500 MVA capacity and a 400/220 kV substation of 2×500 MVA capacity – and a LILO single circuit 765 kV D/C line of ~18 km. The substations are designed to cater to the electricity demand of the proposed green hydrogen plant in the nearby area, loads in Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh & Jatara areas, and for interconnection of 630 MW NTPC Barethi Solar Plant.

Commenting on the acquisition, Harsh Shah, Chief Executive Officer, and Whole Time Director of IndiGrid, said,” India’s transmission sector is witnessing tremendous growth to cater to the increased energy demand and higher evacuation needs from existing and upcoming renewable generation centers.

Over the years, IndiGrid has developed its capability for the development of greenfield projects. Greenfield projects provide us with an opportunity to drive growth and pipeline while ensuring asset quality and reliability. We have created a robust balance sheet and headroom for growth with recent capital raise.”

Guwahati takes the green route with 100 Tata Motors electric buses

Bengaluru, 3rd January 2024: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, today announced that it has supplied 100 electric buses to Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC). The 9-meter, air-conditioned Tata Ultra electric buses that will ply the roads of Guwahati are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and convenient intra-city commute. These zero-emission buses are indigenously built on a next-gen architecture, equipped with the latest features, and are powered by advanced battery systems. The buses were launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on 1 January 2024.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Vice President & Business Head – CV Passengers, Tata Motors, said, “Making public transport more effective and efficient is our mission and we are thankful to the Assam State Government and the ASTC for allowing us to supply a modern fleet of electric buses. Built with cutting-edge technology and rigorously tested under varied conditions, these buses are eco-friendly and will make public transportation safe, comfortable, tech-driven, and more efficient. We are elated to have our Tata Ultra electric buses inducted and operational to serve the residents of Guwahati.”

To date, Tata Motors has supplied over 1,500 electric buses across multiple cities in India, which have cumulatively clocked more than 10 crore kilometers, with an uptime of over 95%. The Tata Ultra EV is a cutting-edge e-bus that sets new benchmarks for urban city commuting. With its full-electric drivetrain, this state-of-the-art vehicle optimises energy consumption, resulting in low energy usage and operational costs. It offers features like ease of boarding, comfortable seating, and driver-friendly operations while ensuring zero emissions. Equipped with electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution, air suspension, Intelligent Transport System (ITS), and panic button among other advanced features, it prioritises comfort and safety for its commuters. This electric bus embodies the commitment to cleaner public transport and is an ideal choice for urban passenger transportation needs.

World Film Communities Network (WFCN) all set to Revolutionise the Global Film Industry

New Delhi, 3rd January 2024: The World Film Communities Network (WFCN) has announced a groundbreaking initiative to bring about a colossal shift in the world of the film industry. The new economic model aims to decentralise the film industry by distributing creative control and financial support to different global communities.

The new economic paradigm known as the “Community-Driven Film Economy,” aims to reshape the dynamics of the global film industry. The film industry has historically placed a strong emphasis on a centralised system in which major studios control both the production and distribution stages. By utilising decentralised finance principles and blockchain technology, WFCN disrupts the long-standing norm and establishes a more inclusive and democratic ecosystem. With this, WFCN establishes the notion of community engagement throughout a film’s entire production process. Through WFCN, filmmakers will be able to show their projects directly to a global film audience, who can then become stakeholders by contributing to the production via a decentralised crowdfunding platform.

The ability to monetize films through various channels, which gives filmmakers the freedom to select between pay-per-view and ad-based revenue, is one of its primary features. This enables producers to modify their tactics according to the type of content they produce and the tastes of their target audience.

Commenting on this ingenious initiative towards the betterment of the film industry, WFCN’s CEO, Marcello Villiagram, states, “This eliminates the traditional reliance on major studios and financiers, giving independent filmmakers’ greater agency over their creative visions.” WFCN emerges as a comprehensive solution, serving not only as a gateway to film festival submission but as a transformative force in the industry. WFCN’s Founder, Shailik Bhaumik expressed enthusiasm about the potential of the model. “This model empowers filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike. It breaks down the barriers between creators and their audience, creating a more symbiotic relationship that transcends geographical boundaries.

As part of a bigger initiative to digitise the audio-visual entertainment sector, WFCN is set to introduce new features, such as chances for filmmakers to publish scripts, pitch to OTT platforms, and take advantage of crowdfunding and sponsorships.

The World Film Communities Network (WFCN) is a comprehensive platform that facilitates professional networking and festival submission. It’s an online community where artists can interact, share, and submit their creations. Its goal is to house the world’s creative personalities under a single dome.