Tripura to connect all unconnected areas with double-lane NHs: CM

Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today announced a comprehensive road infrastructure plan, stating that all district and subdivision headquarters, as well as unconnected habitations in the state, will be linked to national highways through double-lane roads.

Addressing the National Seminar on Infrastructure Development in the North East Region of India at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala, Dr. Saha also revealed that a 449-km Ring Road has been proposed for Agartala city under the Bharatmala scheme.

He said the proposed ring road alignment will include the Agartala Bypass (Khayerpur–Amtali), Eastern Bypass (Lembuchara–Khayerpur), and Western Bypass (Lembuchara–Amtali). Additionally, seven new bypass roads have been proposed for Kumargarh, Dhanpur, Manu, Ambassa, Teliamura, Ranirbazar, and Jirania to ease congestion in towns where national highways pass through.

“Infrastructure is the foundation of growth. Be it roads, highways, airports, power projects, or urban facilities, these are essential for economic development, social empowerment, and connectivity,” said the Chief Minister.

Highlighting the state’s progress in recent years, Dr. Saha said, “In the last seven years, the state government has taken several groundbreaking steps that have transformed Tripura’s socio-economic landscape.”

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the North East Rising Summit 2025 in New Delhi, Dr. Saha said the PM’s reference to the Northeast as Ashtalakshmi—symbolizing the eight states—underlines the region’s strategic and developmental importance.

He emphasized the Centre’s commitment to the region’s growth through the establishment of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), noting, “The northeastern states, rich in hydropower, petroleum, and natural gas, can play a pivotal role in meeting India’s clean energy goals.”

Underscoring the government's focus on road development, Dr. Saha shared data on the current road infrastructure:

• Total road length under PWD: 10,618.423 km

• State highways: 1,057 km

• Major district roads: 171 km

• Other district roads: 483 km

• Urban roads: 1,167 km

• Village roads: 7,740 km

• National highways: 923 km (with four additional highways, totalling 229 km, declared in-principle)

“Out of the 923 km of national highways, around 509 km have already been upgraded to double-lane roads with paved shoulders. We also plan to upgrade 1,057 km of state highways to double-lane standards in phases,” he added.

In a move to boost urban mobility, Dr. Saha also announced plans for the construction of multiple flyovers in Agartala and Udaipur. The first phase will focus on a flyover from Radhanagar to IGM Hospital.

Additionally, the Chief Minister informed that the Light House Project is nearing completion and work is ongoing on the Unity Mall and multiple high-rise departmental buildings. “Through these initiatives, we are determined to bring Tripura and the Northeast on par with the rest of the country,” he said.