Gandhinagar: GIFT City is planning a new accommodation framework for professionals who need stays longer than a hotel visit but shorter than a permanent home. The proposed Business Accommodation Policy will allow authorised operators to manage select residential units for employees, consultants, govt officials and other approved guests. Immediate family members accompanying them will also be covered.The policy comes against the backdrop of residents’ concerns that apartments were allegedly leased to operators offering rooms on an hourly basis, raising safety and security issues, a senior GIFT City official said.“We are committed to safe living for residents while ensuring bachelors working in GIFT City companies or studying at universities here are not denied accommodation,” the official said.The proposed framework will regulate business-linked stays while retaining the residential land-use classification of the units. It will not cover hotels, hostels, paying-guest accommodation or homestays governed by separate regulations. Only residential units in buildings or precincts notified by GIFTCL will be eligible.“Owners will not be able to independently operate individual units unless they qualify as professional operators. Employees and engaged professionals of entities registered in GIFT IFSC or operating from GIFT City, along with govt officials on assignment, are proposed to be included in the pre-approved guest categories,” a source said.
GIFT City Business Accommodation Policy features
Applications from people outside these categories will have to be decided within one working day, failing which the guest will be deemed approved.Under the proposed framework, apartment owners may lease units to authorised business accommodation aggregators, creating professionally managed options for companies and institutions.“Many firms do not maintain guest houses, while extended hotel stays are not viable. Managed apartments can bridge that gap, keeping employees closer to work in a regulated environment,” the official said.GIFT City also plans to introduce a digital system through which aggregators can register occupants and upload identity documents, enabling the authority to verify and monitor stays. “If any untoward incident occurs, we can promptly coordinate with the police using accurate details,” the official said.“GIFT City’s global ambitions require accommodation that matches the way international business operates. Professionals setting up operations, undertaking assignments or relocating with families need flexible, professionally managed stays. A dedicated business accommodation and serviced apartment policy would provide clarity for investors and operators, encourage quality supply and make it easier for companies to bring talent to GIFT City. This is essential infrastructure for a globally competitive financial centre,” said Sanjay Kaul, MD and Group CEO, GIFT City.The policy will also support GIFT City’s “walk-to-work” model by bringing residential and office spaces closer together and reducing commuting, people aware of the discussions said.
