The CPI(M) has strongly criticized the Tripura government over the functioning of the Agartala Municipal Corporation and the progress of the Smart City project in the capital.

Addressing a press conference at the CPI(M) state office on Thursday, former Transport Minister Manik Dey recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the Smart City Mission in 2015 with a plan to develop 100 cities across the country. Initially, Agartala’s name was missing from the list.

“The then Left Front government protested and demanded inclusion of Agartala. A letter was sent to the Centre, after which Agartala was eventually brought under the Smart City scheme,” Dey said.

According to him, the Centre had committed Rs 500 crore for the project, while the state government was to contribute an equal amount. A DPR team from the Centre later visited Agartala and estimated that around Rs 3,000 crore would be required for the project. 

“The team had asked the state government to begin work with the available funds and assured that the remaining amount would be released in different phases,” Dey stated.

He claimed that the state government has so far received Rs 490 crore from the Centre, but against its share of Rs 490 crore, it has contributed only Rs 52 crore. “This raises serious questions about where the rest of the money has gone. Effectively, work worth only ₹540 crore has been done so far. The government must explain what happened to the promised funds of over ₹1,000 crore,” he demanded.

Dey further alleged that several key components of the Smart City project remain unfulfilled. “The project had promised quality roads with proper drainage, modern parking facilities including multi-storey structures at the old motor stand, Shakuntala Road, and Battala TRTC area, renovation of bridges over ponds, and permanent arrangements for hawkers. The busiest roads in Agartala were supposed to be upgraded into all-weather roads. Families living along riverside areas in Akhaura Road were to be rehabilitated in pucca multi-storey buildings in Dhaka. Unfortunately, most of these remain only on paper,” he added.

The CPI(M) leader accused the government of misleading the people while the conditions of Agartala’s infrastructure and civic amenities continue to deteriorate.