A Legacy Of 120 Years

1890-The Beginning

The Neotia family has been an integral part of the business scene in Kolkata for nearly 120 years. Originating from Rajasthan, their forefathers settled in the city some time in 1890s, being attracted to the opportunities for enterprise that the city offered. Since then, Kolkata has been their home and subsequent generations have been born and brought up here.

1950-The Founders

In the 1950s, the patriarchs of Ambuja Neotia Group, Late Shri Suresh Neotia and Late Shri Vinod Neotia, alongside their brother Late Shri Bimal Kumar Poddar, embarked on their entrepreneurial journey with Radhakrishna Bimal Kumar (RKBK), a franchisee of Burma Shell, and expanded into various industries.

1970-1980-RKBK Expansion

Following Shri Bimal Kumar Poddar's passing, Suresh Neotia and Vinod Neotia continued to grow Radhakrishna Bimal Kumar, venturing into cement, fertilizers, and petroleum products, achieving a gross turnover of ₹500 crores by the early 1990s.

During this period, the Neotia family also ventured into a textile mill in West Bengal and collieries that were later nationalised. They also founded Macmet India Limited, involved in engineering contracts and software solutions.

1980-1990-The Genesis of Ambuja Cements

In the mid-1980s, the Neotia brothers joined forces with Shri Narotam Sekhsaria to establish Gujarat Ambuja Cements Limited (GACL), rapidly becoming an industry leader. During this period, they introduced "The Conclave," Kolkata's first business club.

1990-2000-A Legend Emerges

Under Harshavardhan Neotia's leadership, the Group ventured into real estate and hospitality. Their residential project, Udayan~The Condoville, set new standards for Public-Private Partnerships in social housing. He was honoured with Padma Shri by the President of India in 1999. The hospitality project, Raichak-on-Ganges, covered 100 acres. In the late 90’s, Modi Cement, which had become sick was taken over by GACL and Harshavardhan Neotia, son of Late Shri Vinod Neotia and the only male heir of the family, was appointed as MD of the newly formed “Ambuja Cement Eastern Limited”. Continuing the family tradition of excellence, he was able to execute a remarkable turnaround transforming the erstwhile sick company into one of the most profitable and efficient cement manufacturers in the country.

2000s-New Horizons

In 2000, the Bhagirathi Neotia Women & Child Care Centre (BNWCCC) marked the Group's debut in healthcare, offering advanced medical facilities for women and children in Kolkata. The expansion in hospitality continued with the creation of "Swabhumi- the Heritage Plaza," showcasing crafts and cultures from diverse regions of the country.

2004-Redefining Retail

The Group entered the retail sector in 2004 with City Centre Salt Lake, a signature property designed by renowned architect Late Shri Charles Correa.

2005-The Alliance

In 2005, the world's largest cement company, Holcim, formed an alliance with the Ambuja Group, taking control of ACC. The following year, the Group divested a significant portion of their stake in GACL to Holcim, transferring its management control.

2005-2010-The Neotia Effect

Rebranded as Ambuja Realty, the Group ventured into residential properties, retail, hospitality, business parks, healthcare, and education. Notable projects included City Centre New Town, Swissotel, Ujjwala, and Ecospace. The Group extended its reach beyond Kolkata with Uttorayon, the first residential township in Siliguri, in a joint venture with Luxmi Township Ltd. In 2009, they opened City Centre Siliguri and merged 'Ambuja' with the illustrious 'Neotia' family name to create Ambuja Neotia.

2010-2015-Business Expansion

The Group continued expanding its retail business with City Centre Haldia and City Centre Raipur. They also developed commercial properties like Ecostation and Ecosuite. In healthcare, they established Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital, and Genome, a fertility clinic.

2015-2020-Dawn of a New Era

After the passing of Suresh Neotia, Harshavardhan Neotia assumed leadership. The Neotia University was established, offering modern courses and holistic education. The Group launched the 20-acre luxurious project - Utalika Luxury~TheCondoville. In 2017, Neotec Hub, an incubation centre in collaboration with the Central Government's Startup India Initiative, was created. AltAir, a unique boutique hotel, was introduced in 2018. Sonar Tori, a Bengali cuisine restaurant, and The Orient, specialising in Chinese cuisine, were launched at City Centre Salt Lake. Afraa was relaunched at City Centre Salt Lake. BNWCC opened in New Town. Raajkutir was inaugurated at Swabhumi. Ambuja Neotia acquired the master franchise of UNO Chicago Bar & Grill with Dhunseri Petrochem.

2020 – Present Thriving Together

With a commitment to spreading happiness, Ambuja Neotia launched Utsodhaara Teesta Township, an 81- acre Township project in Siliguri, and Ecospace Business Towers, adjacent to Ecospace Business Park. The Group expanded the City Centre brand to Patna, they entered leisure home with Vanya Awas in Lataguri and launched Urvisha~The Condoville at New Town. The Group diversified their portfolio in smart dining by introducing Bombastic Supper Club specialising in Euro-Asian Cuisines. They partnered with the Taj Group and rebranded Swissotel as Taj City Centre and opened Taj Chia Kutir in Kurseong and Guras Kutir in Gangtok and Taal Kutir in Kolkata. RaajKutir was relaunched under IHCL SeleQtions. Furthermore, to diversify their hospitality portfolio, Ambuja Neotia acquired the Tree of Life chain of hotels thereby expanding their portfolio across North and Western India.