Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has confirmed that NIT Agartala and DPR consultants have been engaged to prepare proposals for the permanent restoration of damaged portions of National Highways in Tripura.

In a letter addressed to Tripura MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, the Union Minister stated that a three-member team from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) headquarters had already conducted a damage assessment. Following this, experts from NIT Agartala and DPR consultants were roped in to draft restoration plans.

Sharing the development on Facebook, Biplab Kumar Deb expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister for the continued support and progress of road infrastructure projects in the state. 

He appreciated the Ministry’s swift response and quality execution of ongoing works, especially in addressing the flood-related damage from August 2024.

Gadkari’s letter further addressed the MP’s request for prompt action on highway repairs and upgradation. He wrote, “This is with reference to your letter regarding instructions to NHIDCL to speed up work on National Highways, ensure quality, and declare the Kamalpur–Ambassa–Gandatwisa–Amarpur–Santirbazar stretch as a two-lane highway with paved shoulders under NH standards. I have reviewed the matter, and the NHIDCL’s detailed response to the concerns raised is enclosed.”

Highlighting the challenges in project implementation, the Minister acknowledged delays due to land acquisition hurdles, local issues, force majeure conditions, and underperformance by certain EPC contractors. However, he noted that corrective actions such as re-tendering and reallocation of contracts had been initiated wherever necessary.

Gadkari also noted that emergency repair works were undertaken immediately after the August 2024 floods to ensure traffic movement. The ongoing efforts now aim to provide long-term solutions through scientifically prepared proposals by NIT Agartala and the DPR teams, he said.