MAM
Marriott ties up with Oswal Group to bring wellness luxury to Punjab
MUMBAI: In a move that signals the rise of Ludhiana as a luxury hospitality hotspot, Marriott International and Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, have signed a deal to bring the globally celebrated Westin Hotels & Resorts brand to Punjab.
The 200-key property, to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crore, will be Ludhiana’s first Westin, a brand known for its wellness-first, rejuvenation-focused philosophy. The signing ceremony took place in Delhi, with senior representatives from both sides sealing the partnership.
Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, said the Westin Ludhiana would “redefine excellence in guest service” while giving travellers a place to “be the best version of themselves, even on the move.”
Adish Oswal, chairman, Oswal Group, called the project the “crown jewel” in their hospitality vision, aiming to make Ludhiana a luxury destination for both business and leisure travellers.
Situated just 20 minutes from Ludhiana Railway Station, 1.5 hours from Chandigarh International Airport, and within striking distance of the upcoming Halwara Airport, the property is designed for maximum accessibility and upscale indulgence.
Expected features include Westin’s signature Heavenly Spa, WestinWorkout Fitness Studio, a swimming pool, and multiple dining venues, along with a lavish executive club lounge. The hotel will also boast expansive banqueting facilities and a lush outdoor lawn for events.
With Ludhiana’s growing clout in trade, logistics and manufacturing and increasing appetite for elevated experiences, this Westin opening underscores Marriott’s bullish stance on India’s tier-2 growth markets.
Wellness, it seems, is boarding the Shatabdi and heading north.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
