Tragic Fire Exposes Safety Concerns in Budget Hotels
New Delhi: The recent fire tragedy that took the lives of 21 people has raised serious questions about the safety standards of budget hotels in Malviya Nagar. A stroll through the area reveals a cluster of multi-storeyed hotels and guesthouses, many of which share similar designs that can be troubling. Most of these buildings use narrow lanes and have only one entry and exit point, leading to cramped conditions with minimal ventilation.
In the wake of the disaster, several nearby hotels closed immediately, quickly evacuated their guests, and even removed their signs. One hotel, owned by the same proprietor as the one that burned, did the same.
Karllambert, a visitor from the Philippines, shared his experience: “My wife and I are here because our seven-month-old son needs a liver transplant at Max Hospital. We were staying at a hotel nearby for Rs 2,000 a night in a tiny room without windows. This morning, the staff woke us up and told us to leave right away.”
Locals believe the rapid growth of these hotels is largely due to their closeness to Max Hospital, which attracts patients from all over India and abroad. Room rates vary from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 a night, appealing to families needing a place to stay during medical treatments. However, longtime residents have noticed that the infrastructure has not kept up with the influx of visitors.
A quick look inside one of the hotels that closed after the fire shows just how tight the conditions can be. There was barely enough space for a reception area next to the staircase and lift, highlighting the cramped living arrangements.
Preet, a local resident, commented, “In these buildings, where typically two rooms might fit on a residential floor, hotels have squeezed in four. They frequently host families and tourists, meaning these places are often full. On weekends, a single floor can have 8 to 10 guests at a time.”
Residents estimate that these buildings can accommodate around 80 to 100 guests at once, making emergency evacuations extremely challenging. Many of the hotels follow a similar design, with little to no ventilation. One five-storey hotel had its entire front covered in glass, resembling a shopping mall rather than a space built for comfortable living.
Additionally, there is a lack of fire safety equipment in these establishments. A local resident mentioned, “You rarely see fire hoses or any safety gear installed.”
Another concerning issue is the common practice of placing kitchens in basements. Vishal, a resident, explained, “Many owners want to maximize room numbers on the upper floors for profit, so they push kitchens down to the basement.”
Three years ago, part of a nearby park was replaced with a wider road intended for emergency response vehicles, but residents noted that this road has become a parking lot. “The road was supposed to allow easier access for ambulances and fire trucks,” said Vijay, a resident. “However, with the increase in hotels and vehicles in the area, it’s often blocked. When the fire happened, fire trucks were delayed, and ambulances struggled to get through.”
The need for better safety measures and infrastructure in this bustling neighborhood has never been more urgent.
