IHG Hotels & Resorts has entered a management agreement with Dutta Buildcon to establish Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, India.

This agreement marks the brand's introduction to the city of Gwalior and is expected to launch in early 2029.

The new hotel aims to bolster IHG's footprint in India's secondary markets.

IHG Hotels & Resorts South West Asia managing director Sudeep Jain said: “This signing not only expands our footprint in Central India but also demonstrates how IHG delivers ‘more where it matters most’ in emerging hubs.

“With Gwalior’s thriving industries, cultural legacy, and infrastructure boom, Holiday Inn Express’ smart, consistent hospitality is perfectly positioned to serve both business and leisure travellers seeking quality and convenience.”

The property will offer 140 rooms, dining facilities, an event area, a fitness centre and a meeting room.

Holiday Inn Express, a global brand with more than 3,200 hotels, has 17 operating hotels in India and 21 more in the development pipeline.

The brand is currently rolling out its Generation 5 design, which enhances the guest experience by offering flexible workspaces and upgraded aesthetics suitable for business and leisure travellers.

Dutta Buildcon stakeholders said: “With our combined expertise and the city’s growing potential, we believe this hotel will set a new benchmark in smart, international-standard hospitality for the region.

“This development is part of our long-term vision to contribute meaningfully to Gwalior’s infrastructure and tourism growth.”

IHG now operates 51 properties across six brands in the country and has a pipeline with 72 hotels scheduled to launch in the next three to five years.

This expansion follows IHG's recent franchise agreement with KGA International Trades to develop a new Holiday Inn Express in Kerala, India.