Sir,

I read with keen interest a news report about plans to privatise Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel and hand it over on a 30-year lease (“Lalitha Mahal set for major revival” in SOM dated Dec. 3). Long-awaited, yes — but the moot question is whether JLR is truly willing to let go of its goose that lays golden eggs.

First, one must ask: Who exactly is on this so-called expert committee? The same set of bureaucrats who have little understanding of running a heritage hotel?

Secondly, what are the so-called conditions? The pipelines in the Palace building are decades old and there are no records of their design. They need complete replacement. Do the conditions allow any additional construction without compromising the Palace’s architectural beauty?

The proposed lease amount of Rs. 4 crore per year is reasonable; however, the company must still pay this even while the entire hotel is undergoing renovation.

The entire garden, including step gardens, needs restoration. Too many restrictions and rigid conditions will ensure that no serious bidder comes forward. Instead, someone with strong political connections — someone who can manipulate the system — may step in, bid and win. Having been associated with Lalitha Mahal for a long time, I genuinely hope that a major hotel chain with deep pockets takes up the challenge and transforms it into a true ‘Jewel of Mysuru.’

— N.K.A. Ballal, Retd. Sr. Vice-President, ITDC, Mysuru                , 3.12.2025

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