Agartala, January 23, 2026: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Thursday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth ₹365 crore in Tripura, aimed at strengthening connectivity, power access and livelihoods, particularly in tribal and interior regions of the state.
The Minister, accompanied by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, inaugurated five projects worth ₹270 crore and laid foundation stones for three projects worth ₹95 crore on the occasion of Basant Panchami. The initiatives focus on improving road infrastructure, enhancing clean energy access and boosting socio-economic development in remote areas.
Addressing the gathering, Scindia said the projects form part of the Centre’s broader strategy to transform Tripura into a connected, competitive and sustainable state, in line with the vision of Narendra Modi for the North Eastern Region. He noted that under the Prime Minister’s mandate to invest 10 per cent of Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) of all central ministries in the North East, over ₹6.5 lakh crore has been invested across the eight states over the past decade, driving infrastructure growth, economic expansion and employment generation.
Highlighting Tripura’s progress, the Union Minister said the state now has broad-gauge rail connectivity up to Sabroom, an expanded road network from 850 km to over 1,550 km, and an upgraded Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport capable of handling 3 million passengers annually. He also noted that Tripura has become a power-surplus state, with an installed capacity of around 1,000 MW supporting households, agriculture and industry.
Key projects inaugurated or launched include the Jatanbari–Mandirghat–Tirthamukh Road (14 km) to improve access to villages and essential services; the Gandacherra–Raishyabari–Narikel Kunja Road (8 km) connecting tribal habitations to district headquarters; PMGSY road projects linking interior and hilly regions; and Solar Micro-Grid Projects under PM-DevINE, providing reliable and clean electricity to remote habitations to support education, healthcare and small enterprises.
Scindia praised Chief Minister Manik Saha for his “speed, dedication and strong coordination with the Centre,” stating that joint Centre–State efforts have accelerated Tripura’s transformation. He said Tripura should emerge not only as a gateway to the North East but also as a gateway to South-East Asia, with Guwahati and Tripura being developed as international connectivity hubs to boost trade and tourism.
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Emphasising inclusive growth, the Minister said the projects aim to create sustainable livelihoods while preserving Tripura’s cultural heritage. “Roads will not merely carry vehicles — they will carry ambition. Power will not merely light homes — it will illuminate futures,” he remarked.
Following the inauguration, Scindia and the Chief Minister visited two major PM-DevINE healthcare projects in Agartala—the Government Dental College Building, aimed at strengthening dental education and public oral healthcare, and the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Wing at AGMC & GBP Hospital, focused on improving maternal, neonatal and child healthcare services.
Officials said the projects, along with ongoing initiatives in tourism, industrial development and social infrastructure, are expected to strengthen Tripura’s role as a strategic hub in the North East and contribute significantly to Viksit Bharat @2047.
