Both the Taj Mahal and the Trident Oberoi have partly re-opened after the devastating attacks by terrorists that had left severe damage to the hotels last month.

The Taj's Victorian Palace wing still remains closed as the damage will take months to repair, possibly it might take more then a year.

"I believe that the opening of this hotel will send a message that we can come alive again in a record period of time," said Ratan Tata, the high-profile chairman of the group that owns the stately Taj Mahal Palace & Tower hotel, whose famous red dome surrounded by flames has become the iconic image of the attacks. "We can be hurt, but we cannot be knocked down."

Earlier issued press statements by both hotel companies.

Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai will reopen to guests on Sunday, 21 December, 2008.

A round-the-clock effort is underway by the management and staff to ensure that the hotel is ready to receive guests.

The hotel will reopen about three weeks after it sustained damage during the terrorist attacks in Mumbai on 26 November, 2008. The hotel was amongst more than 10 locations in the city that were targeted in the terrorist attack.

When the hotel reopens, enhanced security will be in place to ensure the safety and comfort of guests and staff. The local law enforcement agencies have also been requested to extend all assistance.

The Oberoi Group owns and manages two hotels located adjacent to each other at Nariman Point in Mumbai. These are the luxury ‘The Oberoi' hotel and 5-star ‘Trident, Nariman Point' hotel.

The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower to Shine Again

On December 21st, the enduring symbol of the indomitable spirit of our city, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, will play host to the world again, with the reopening of the rooms in The Taj Mahal Tower.

Acknowledging the massive efforts devoted to the Hotel's swift re-opening, Mr. Raymond Bickson, Managing Director and CEO, The Indian Hotels Company Limited, said, "We dedicate our reopening to the city of Mumbai as affirmation of the values of courage, resilience and dignity."

"To reopen the Taj with such speed but with no loss of attention to details, shows our resolve to commemorate all the innocent and brave people who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks. In their honour, the Taj will shine again in all its brilliance," Mr. Bickson added.

"Everyone who works at the Taj stands in awe of the bravery and sacrifice shown by their colleagues. They have set a standard of selfless service that all of us can only aspire to."