Tripura has recorded a remarkable surge in tourist footfall, with the numbers rising from 5.29 lakh in 2018 to 7.60 lakh in the 2024–25 financial year, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury announced on Friday.

The Minister made the statement while addressing a Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for new tourism infrastructure at Kamalasagar and the historic Chaturdash Devta Temple, located at the Kasba Kalibari Complex in Sepahijala district.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to transforming Tripura into a premier tourism destination, Chowdhury said, “It was a promise of our government and Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha to strengthen and promote religious tourism in the state.”

As part of this vision, the government has completed two major tourism infrastructure projects—one at the Kasbeswari Maa Temple with a budget of over ?18 crore and another at the Chaturdash Devta Temple costing ?13 crore. Both projects have been funded by the Asian Development Bank.

Slamming the previous administration, Chowdhury remarked, “Before 2018, the earlier government failed to develop the Kasbeswari Maa Temple. But under our leadership, just as we elevated the Tripura Sundari Temple to global prominence through the PRASAD Scheme, we are now undertaking similar efforts for Kasbeswari Maa Temple.”

He further stated that infrastructural development around the temple areas will continue, aiming to attract more visitors and generate employment opportunities for local residents.

“Since coming to power, our government has launched a series of initiatives to boost tourism and the state’s economy. Tourism plays a key role in improving the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and creating livelihoods,” the Minister added.

Chowdhury also mentioned the laying of a foundation stone for a replica of the sacred 51 Shakti Peethas at Banduar in Gomati District. The project is expected to be completed within the next 18 months.

“We are confident that in the next two years, Tripura Tourism will witness a complete transformation. The increase in domestic and foreign tourist arrivals is already fueling growth in various sectors,” he concluded.