DRThiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently inaugurated a Rs. 25-crore project for revamping the heritage wing of Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram, coinciding with its centenary celebrations.
The comprehensive project was drawn up by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). The Chief Minister also unveiled a plaque to mark its centenary and opened a month-long exhibition that vividly depicted 100 years of its service. Kadakampally Surendran, State Tourism Minister, presided over the function held at the hotel.
The Minister said Mascot Hotel has the unique distinction of being the maiden five star hotel in the public sector. Recalling the history of the Hotel, he said, ‘’In the hotel map published by the Bombay-based Indian Hotel Company in 1937, Mascot was one among the four hotels listed from South India. In 1965, it came under KTDC.”
M Vijayakumar, Chairman, KTDC, delivered a felicitation speech while Rahul R IRS, MD, KTDC, welcomed the gathering.
Vijayakumar said, “Mascot Hotel is Kerala’s priceless treasure. It is the jewel in KTDC’s crown. The restoration will be carried out without harming its distinguishing architectural features.’’
Rahul said the project to strengthen and preserve the heritage property will be executed under the leadership of Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS). P Bala Kiran IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism and Krishnakumar, Member, Board of Directors, KTDC, were also present. G S Rajmohan, Marketing Manager, KTDC, proposed the vote of thanks.
Works to be taken up include strengthening of the building, rooms and passages, beautification of the premises, and improvement of amenities. They will be completed in two phases within a year. The State Government has already accorded administrative sanction for
Rs. 5 crore for the project.
