West Tripura MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb met Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday, urging the Centre to accelerate key tourism and heritage development projects across Tripura.

During the meeting, Deb highlighted several proposals aimed at improving the state's tourism infrastructure and preserving its rich cultural and religious heritage. Among the key demands was the development of three historic Shakti Peethas in South Tripura—Jogmaya Kalibari in Belonia, Rajrajeshwari Kalibari in Muhuripur, and Daityeshwari Kalibari in Sabroom. The proposed project, estimated at Rs 29.87 crore, has already been submitted by the Tripura Tourism Department to the Union Ministry.

The MP also sought comprehensive development of the Unakoti archaeological site, including widening the road connecting National Highway-208 to the monument into a four-lane stretch. He proposed adding modern tourist amenities such as an eco-museum, open-air theatre, accommodation facilities, landscaped gardens, souvenir shops, cafeterias, parking areas, adventure activities, drinking water and sanitation facilities.

Deb further requested the Centre to facilitate the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) clearance needed for the proposed Rs 100-crore Unakoti development project.

Raising another long-standing issue, he pressed for the establishment of a dedicated ASI Circle Office in Tripura. He noted that eight of the ten centrally protected monuments under the Aizawl Circle are located in Tripura, making a separate office essential for efficient conservation and administrative work.

The former Chief Minister also urged the Union Minister to expedite the completion of the Mata Tripurasundari Temple project under the PRASAD scheme. While Rs 37.80 crore has already been sanctioned, he requested approval of an additional Rs 17.61 crore to meet expanded project requirements and ensure timely completion.

Deb said that enhanced tourism infrastructure and heritage conservation would help position Tripura as a major religious and cultural tourism destination. He added that the proposed projects would generate employment, strengthen the state's economy, and significantly boost Tripura's tourism prospects in the Northeast.