Agartala/New Delhi, July 1, 2026: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi to review the progress of ongoing National Highway projects and discuss a series of new road infrastructure initiatives aimed at transforming connectivity across the state.
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| Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha meets Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on July 1, 2026, to review ongoing National Highway projects and discuss new road infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving connectivity across the state. (Image: X/DrManikSaha2) |
The meeting focused on accelerating ongoing National Highway works, improving the maintenance of existing roads, and implementing new projects to strengthen connectivity within Tripura as well as with neighbouring states.
Following the meeting, Chief Minister Saha said the Central Government is giving significant importance to developing transport infrastructure in Tripura and the Northeast, reaffirming its commitment to integrating the region into India's broader growth framework.
"The Central Government is committed to strengthening road connectivity in Tripura and the North-Eastern region by integrating the region with the country's broader development framework. Emphasis is being placed on developing sustainable and affordable highway infrastructure to boost the local economy and improve connectivity," the Chief Minister said.
National Highway Network Sees Massive Growth
Expressing gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Saha highlighted the remarkable expansion of Tripura's National Highway network over the past decade.
He noted that the state's National Highway length has increased from just 198 kilometres in 2014 to 923 kilometres in 2026, significantly improving transportation and accessibility.
The Chief Minister said several important decisions were taken during the meeting to ensure time-bound implementation of key road infrastructure projects.
Four-Laning of NH-08 Gets Major Push
One of the major developments discussed was the proposed four-laning of the 130-kilometre Churaibari–Champaknagar stretch of National Highway-08, one of Tripura's most important transport corridors.
According to Saha, the Ministry has approved the alignment for the project in consultation with the State Government.
The proposed greenfield four-lane highway will run parallel to the railway line and include tunnels through the Atharamura and Longtharai hill ranges, making it one of the state's most ambitious road infrastructure projects.
Land acquisition for the project is expected to begin shortly.
The Chief Minister also informed that the State Government will hand over 90 percent of the required land and complete utility shifting for the remaining Ranirbazar–ISBT (Chandrapur) section of NH-08 in West Tripura district by August 2026.
Once the land transfer process is completed, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will float tenders for construction.
Agartala-Udaipur Highway Upgrade
Saha further revealed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed four-laning of the Agartala–Udaipur section of NH-08 is in its final stage.
The widening project is being planned in view of the increasing traffic volume, growing tourism, and rising pilgrimage activities in southern Tripura.
The alignment is expected to be finalised by August 2026, after which land acquisition will commence.
In addition, the DPR for upgrading the 24-kilometre Udaipur–Amarpur road as a spur of NH-08 is nearing completion.
The road will be upgraded to National Highway standards, significantly improving connectivity between Udaipur, home to the revered Mata Tripura Sundari Temple, and Amarpur, the gateway to major tourist attractions such as Chabimura and Dumboor Lake.
Strategic Road to Boost Tourism and Trade
The Chief Minister said the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has agreed to take up development of the Kamalpur–Ambassa–Gandacherra–Santirbazar road, spanning approximately 148 kilometres.
He said the project has strategic importance as it will strengthen tourism, facilitate trade, and support natural gas-based economic activities in the state.
Agartala Bypass Projects
During the meeting, Saha also discussed progress on Agartala's road decongestion projects.
He said a fresh tender will soon be issued for the proposed 25-kilometre Western Bypass of Agartala city after incorporating service lanes to accommodate densely populated areas along the proposed alignment.
Meanwhile, the 10-kilometre Eastern Bypass connecting Lembucherra and Khayerpur will be taken up after the alignment is finalised and land acquisition is completed.
The bypass projects are expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in Agartala while improving connectivity to different parts of the state.
Redevelopment of Existing Highways
The meeting also reviewed the condition of several existing National Highways that have deteriorated over time.
Saha said it was decided that the Agartala–Khowai stretch of NH-108B, the Kumarghat–Kailashahar and Kailashahar–Khowai stretches of NH-208, along with the Kailashahar–Kurti Bridge section of NH-208A, would be redeveloped based on recommendations made by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI).
The redevelopment aims to improve road quality, safety, and durability.
Focus on Flood and Landslide Protection
Given Tripura's challenging terrain and heavy monsoon rainfall, the Chief Minister also stressed the importance of incorporating adequate drainage systems and retaining walls along National Highways.
He said these measures are essential to prevent flooding in adjoining habitations and minimise landslides in hilly regions during the rainy season.
Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Chief Minister Manik Saha described the discussions as productive.
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"Met with Hon'ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji in New Delhi. We had a fruitful discussion on expediting ongoing National Highway projects in Tripura and advancing new road infrastructure initiatives to further strengthen connectivity," he posted.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also shared an update, stating that he reviewed the progress of ongoing National Highway projects in Tripura along with Chief Minister Manik Saha and senior officials.
The meeting reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to strengthening Tripura's transport infrastructure through expanded National Highway networks, modern bypasses, improved connectivity to tourist destinations, and resilient road systems capable of supporting the state's long-term economic growth and regional integration.
