Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has signed a licence agreement to open Lemon Tree Hotel, Ahilyanagar, with the property to be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company. The signing marks the brand's 30th property in Maharashtra and brings the portfolio in the state to 30 properties, comprising 15 operational hotels and 15 in the pipeline. The move forms part of a strategic expansion into high-growth urban and regional markets within the state. Ahilyanagar is described as a dual identity city that serves both corporate and defence-related travel and as a transit gateway to pilgrimage destinations including Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur. The hotel is positioned to cater to business professionals and travellers in transit by offering branded hospitality along key routes. The property will feature 95 well appointed rooms, a restaurant, a banquet hall, a meeting room and recreational amenities including a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Located approximately 8 km from Ahilyanagar Railway Station and 119 km from Pune International Airport, the hotel will offer convenient access for travellers connecting Pune, Aurangabad and nearby pilgrimage centres. The signing is intended to strengthen network connectivity and diversify the company portfolio to reflect evolving travel patterns across business and emerging destinations. Management will be by Carnation Hotels Private Limited under the Lemon Tree group operating model. Lemon Tree Hotels is described as India’s largest mid-priced hotel chain and operates more than 130 hotels across over 80 cities with a pipeline of more than 130 upcoming properties. The group comprises seven distinct brands that span upper upscale to midscale and leisure and spiritual segments, and it has an international presence in Dubai, Bhutan and Nepal. Since opening its first 49-room hotel in 2004 the company has grown to more than 250 properties operational and upcoming and continues to pursue expansion along key travel and economic corridors.