Tourists, TV crews throng Taj ahead of 26/11 anniversary

Khushita Vasant
Mumbai, Nov 22 (PTI) Wide-eyed tourists, television crews
and reporters throng the Taj hotel's vicinity under a
sweltering November sun, days before the first anniversary of
the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, only to get a glimpse of the
goings-on behind its stone walls.

The 106-year-old hotel wears a sombre look as a convoy of
policemen and internal security staff cordon off the heritage
building. However, a 1,000-strong army of labourers,
consultants and Taj employees inside, working furiously to
restore the building back to its old glory.
Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) -- owner of the hotel --
plans to reopen The Taj's heritage or Palace wing in phases by
April 2010. The old wing was extensively damaged in November
2008 when rifle-toting terrorists took it under siege for
nearly three days.
The 287-room Tower wing, which was reopened just 23 days
after the attack, presently has an occupancy rate of 80 per
cent and has been fully booked for November 26.
An international collaboration of designers like James
Park Associates, Rockwell Group Design, Lissoni and BAMO are
working to restore its architectural marvel, which brought
together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. (MORE) PTI
KV
DDC


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