RP Group mulling to set up new hotel in Kerala: Ravi Pillai

Prominent industrialist Dr Ravi Pillai's RP Group is setting up a luxury resort in Maldives with an investment of Rs 500 crore. Talking to Mathrubhumi, Pillai said this is part of strengthening their presence in the hotel industry. It has been 45 years since Kollam native Pillai reached Dubai with big dreams. Within a short span of time, he grew as a ‘construction magnet’ in the oil-fuel sector. Today, he is one of the few billionaires in the world. The head of RP Group, which is spread across sectors including construction, real estate, hotels, tourism, hospitals, education, IT and retail malls, Pillai opens up about his business and new ventures.

You reached Saudi Arabia in 1978. The Gulf region has grown rapidly during this period.

With the increase in crude oil prices developed the Gulf region. Along with this, well-planned activities have also helped the growth of the Gulf economy.

What are the development projects of RP Group in Gulf countries?

Europe is struggling because of the Russia-Ukraine war. As a result, the demand for crude oil in the Gulf region has increased. This created a boom in the sector. Construction activities in the oil and fuel sector have become active because of this. We are creating job opportunities for 25,000 people in UAE, Qatar and other regions this year. With this, the number of workers in this sector will rise to 1.35 lakh. A good portion of these workers is Malayalis. A training centre has been started in Chennai to provide training to the new employees. 

RP Group has been able to make huge strides in the hotel industry in the past few years. The ‘Leela, a Raviz Hotel’ in Kovalam is completing 50 years. What are the new projects in the hotel industry?

Currently, there are seven hotels in Kerala and Gulf countries. Apart from this, we have purchased two in Pune. A 200-villa luxury resort is being set up in Maldives. The resort will start operations this year itself. Similarly, there are plans for a new hotel in Kerala too. An investment of Rs 1,500 crores will be done in the hotel-resort sector.

You recently bought an Airbus helicopter worth Rs 100 crore. Are you planning to buy a private jet?

The H145 Airbus helicopter in the Mercedes-Benz style was purchased to save time. You can reach Kollam from Thiruvananthapuram within 15 minutes. Similarly, you can reach Kochi in 40 minutes. Currently, I have no plans to buy a private jet. 

You are the largest shareholder of Kerala-based Dhanalakshmi Bank. Have the issues of the bank been resolved?

The bank is doing well now. The board of directors has permitted to raise capital. Hopefully, it will be done soon.

A large number of youth are entering the field of entrepreneurship. What do you have to say to them?

Those who venture into the field of entrepreneurship are receiving encouragement from society now. No matter what venture you start, you should do a 'feasibility study' on your own. You should get into a venture only after making sure that it is suitable for you. Try to bring new things to your business. You should have the utmost sincerity. Don't take a loan for business purposes and spend it for personal purposes. 

Today, many people are leaving Kerala for higher education. What needs to be done to keep these young people here?

Timely changes should be brought into our educational syllabus in accordance with the current jobs. Developing world-class colleges and universities will make a big difference. Students should be trained to be 'ready to work' by imparting vocational training along with their studies. We are ready to support such efforts.