The TAJ Tower is back

The Taj Hotel reopened just 24 days after the recent terror attack on Mumbai. The reopening kicked off with a high tea that was hosted by the hotel for 1,000 very special guests that included the Chief Minister, Ashok Chavan and Ratan Tata himself, of course, was present.

Both the Chief Minister and Ratan Tata addressed the media. Chavan said, “The opening of this hotel will send a message that we can come alive in a record period of time.” Of the 268 rooms, 150 have been booked as of this weekend. The tower wing, including the restaurants, is completely operational.

However, as far as the palace wing restoration is concerned it will still take a few more months. It will happen in phases. The first phase of this will be completed in February and by the end of 2009 the entire hotel is expected to be fully functional.

Ratan Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group, said, “This is a memorable day. It’s a show of strength; it is a tribute to all those who have suffered either through the loss of their lives or through injuries; it’s a tribute to those who saved many lives, and it is an indication of our participation in the community of the city of Mumbai.”