Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new Taj-branded hotel on East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai. The property is planned as a greenfield development spread across prime beachfront land, marking further expansion of the group’s luxury presence in Tamil Nadu. The company said the hotel will cater to both business and leisure demand in one of the state’s busiest urban corridors.
Located on a 13-acre site overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the proposed 151-key Taj ECR Chennai, Tamil Nadu will provide direct beach access and uninterrupted coastal views. Its design is being developed to integrate outdoor spaces with modern hospitality features. IHCL stated that the resort will be positioned as a premium option for travellers looking for coastal escapes close to Chennai’s commercial hubs.
The hotel will include multiple dining options such as an all-day restaurant, two specialty dining venues and a bar. Recreational amenities will feature Taj’s J Wellness Circle, a gym, a swimming pool and additional leisure areas. The project aims to combine work-friendly services with destination-style offerings.
Focus on MICE and Events
IHCL said the property will be able to host large gatherings and conferences. It will include two indoor banquet spaces of nearly 10,000 and 5,300 square feet respectively, along with several meeting rooms and lawns facing the beach suitable for outdoor functions. The company expects the hotel to support growing demand from the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment in the region.
According to Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, the hospitality market in Chennai benefits from the city’s industrial and technology base as well as cultural tourism. She highlighted that the new Taj hotel strengthens the company’s strategy to serve multiple customer segments through a single destination. IHCL has partnered with MGM Healthcare for this development.
M.K. Rajagopalan of MGM Healthcare said the collaboration reflects an effort to bring a world-class stay experience to visitors. Construction timelines and opening dates are expected to be finalised as development progresses.
Chennai Remains a Strong Market
Chennai continues to draw travellers because of its heritage, performing arts and popular destinations such as Mahabalipuram, Marina Beach and Fort St. George. IHCL observed that improvements in infrastructure and consistent tourist inflow make the city suitable for further upscale and luxury hospitality investments. The ECR stretch in particular is becoming a preferred location for new resorts and entertainment facilities.
Industry analysts note that the coastal corridor presents opportunities for hospitality companies to capture weekend leisure travel and wedding demand while maintaining proximity to corporate clusters in the metropolitan area.
Taj Hotels in Chennai
With the signing of Taj ECR Chennai, IHCL’s portfolio in the city rises to 16 hotels, including six currently under development. The company operates multiple brands across Chennai, such as Taj, Vivanta and Ginger, positioned in key commercial and cultural areas. Taj properties are expected to cater to premium guests seeking luxury stays and curated experiences.
