Tripura Development – CM Saha Seeks Major Infrastructure and Investment Push for State
Tripura Development – Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has placed a series of key proposals before the Centre, urging faster implementation of infrastructure, transport, and industrial projects aimed at strengthening the state’s long-term growth. The demands were raised during the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council held in Shillong, where senior Union ministers, governors, and chief ministers from across the Northeast participated.
Focus on Connectivity and Transport Expansion
Addressing the gathering, Saha emphasized the need to improve regional connectivity through aviation, railway, and road projects. Among his major requests was the launch of direct flight services between Agartala and Chittagong, which he said would enhance cross-border connectivity and support economic activity in the region.
The Chief Minister also sought early execution of the Badarpur-Sabroom double-line railway project. In addition, he requested the introduction of electric passenger train services up to Sabroom and the operation of a Vande Bharat Express connecting Agartala with Guwahati. He further called for extending airport infrastructure and bringing Kailashahar Airport into service under the UDAN regional connectivity programme.
Road Infrastructure Raised as Priority Issue
Saha urged authorities to ensure high-quality road construction across the state and requested priority attention for the four-laning of several important highway stretches. These include the Churaibari-Mugaikami corridor, the Agartala-Udaipur route, and the Udaipur-Amarpur section, all of which are considered vital for smoother transportation and economic activity.
Tripura Highlights Development Achievements
During his address, the Chief Minister stated that Tripura has witnessed significant socio-economic progress in recent years. He noted that the state’s Gross State Domestic Product has doubled over the past six years, while per capita income has reached levels comparable with the national average.
According to Saha, development initiatives across various sectors have helped Tripura secure more than 350 national and regional recognitions over the past eight years. He attributed the progress to policy support from the central government and continued efforts to improve governance and public services.
Rising Investment and Startup Ecosystem
The Chief Minister highlighted growing investor confidence in the state, stating that investment proposals exceeding Rs. 30,000 crore were received during the previous year. He added that projects valued at over Rs. 8,000 crore have already moved into the implementation stage.
Saha also pointed to the state’s expanding startup ecosystem. Under the Tripura Startup Policy 2024, more than 200 startups have received official recognition, reflecting increasing entrepreneurial activity and innovation within the state.
Health Sector Sees Major Improvements
Discussing healthcare, Saha said improved medical facilities have significantly reduced the need for patients to seek treatment outside Tripura. Referrals to hospitals in other states have reportedly fallen by nearly 80 percent.
He further noted a substantial rise in medical education capacity. Over the past four years, MBBS seats have increased from 225 to 550, while postgraduate medical seats have grown from 85 to 196, helping strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce.
Additional Requests for Industrial Growth
Among other proposals, the Chief Minister sought a 40 percent reduction in natural gas prices and called for the establishment of an AIIMS institution in Agartala. He also requested approval for an Information Technology Park and a World Skill Centre under the PM-DevINE initiative.
Saha urged the Centre to increase annual funding under the Pride of Hills scheme from Rs. 3,450 crore to at least Rs. 6,000 crore. He also requested an increase in the funding ceiling for Externally Aided Projects from Rs. 4,146 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore to support pending development projects.
Vision for the Northeast Region
As chairman of the High-Level Task Force on investment promotion in the Northeast, Saha outlined broader development ideas for the region. These included positioning the Northeast as a Green Industrial Hub, creating an Eastern Startup Corridor, establishing a North East Industrial Free Trade Authority, promoting tourism, supporting community-based tourism initiatives, and setting up a North East Skills University with campuses across all northeastern states.