Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Kolkata Issues Closure Notices to 919 Hotels Over Fire Safety
Officials in Kolkata checked 960 hotels and guest houses for fire safety.
They found that only 41 met the required standards.
The other 919 received temporary notices to close.
The checks became stricter after a fire at Hotel Shikha Inn killed nine people last month.
One report said seven of those victims were from Bangladesh.
Hotel owners say some buildings are very old and that they cannot find the original construction plans.
Officials say owners can fix safety problems and apply for licences again.
However, residential buildings illegally changed into hotels will not be allowed to reopen as guest houses.
A three-day camp was created to help resolve some assessment-related complaints.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation inspected 960 hotels and guest houses through September 7.
Temporary closure notices were issued to 919 properties lacking basic fire-safety infrastructure; only 41 passed compliance checks.
The crackdown followed the Hotel Shikha Inn fire on Mirza Ghalib Street, which killed nine people, including seven Bangladeshi nationals according to one report.
Hotel owners cite old buildings, missing construction plans and leasing arrangements as obstacles to meeting requirements.
The KMC launched a three-day Janashivir for assessment grievances, while non-compliant owners may repair deficiencies and reapply; illegally converted residential buildings will not be relicensed.
- Who
- The Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Department, Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey, and affected hotel and guest-house owners.
- What
- Authorities inspected 960 properties and issued temporary closure notices to 919 for failing basic fire-safety requirements.
- When
- Inspections continued through September 7; the Hotel Shikha Inn fire occurred the previous month, before the upcoming Durga Puja festival.
- Where
- Kolkata, particularly the Mirza Ghalib Street hotel area; one account describes the wider enforcement initiative as extending across West Bengal.
- Why
- To address fire-safety deficiencies after a deadly hotel fire and improve safety ahead of large Durga Puja crowds.
Authorities' Position
Hotel Owners' Concerns
Safety enforcement
Authorities' Position
The KMC says basic safety standards, including functioning fire exits, are essential and cannot be compromised after the fatal Hotel Shikha Inn fire.
Hotel Owners' Concerns
Owners are facing temporary closures and sharply reduced room availability, with visitors reporting higher prices at hotels still allowed to operate.
Missing building documents
Authorities' Position
Officials require establishments to meet safety and licensing requirements before reopening.
Hotel Owners' Concerns
Some owners say they lease old properties and cannot provide original construction plans because the buildings predate their businesses.
Reopening eligibility
Authorities' Position
The KMC says compliant owners can fix deficiencies and reapply, but illegally converted residential buildings will be permanently barred from relicensing.
Hotel Owners' Concerns
Owners have submitted compliance-review applications and are seeking a way to address deficiencies and assessment-related problems through hearings and the three-day camp.
- Properties inspected
- 960 hotels and guest houses
- Temporary closure notices
- 919 establishments
- Compliant properties
- 41 establishments
- Fatal incident
- The Hotel Shikha Inn fire killed nine people; one report says at least nine, including seven Bangladeshi nationals
- Reopening pathway
- Owners may correct deficiencies and reapply for licences
- Permanent restriction
- Residential buildings illegally converted into commercial guest houses will be barred from relicensing
- Grievance initiative
- A three-day Janashivir was launched for assessment-related complaints
