Tripura CM shares state's development priorities, key proposals in NITI Aayog meet

Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha participated in the interactive session organized by NITI Aayog in New Delhi on Friday. 

The meeting, chaired by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Ashok Lahiri, brought together Chief Ministers, council members, and Chief Secretaries from across the North Eastern states to map out regional growth strategies.

During the session, Dr. Saha aligned Tripura’s state-specific goals with the broader national vision, presenting a comprehensive roadmap aimed at accelerating economic and social development.

Taking part in the discussions, Dr. Saha shared Tripura’s development priorities and presented key proposals for strengthening connectivity, investment promotion, industrial growth, innovation, skilling, healthcare, tourism, sports infrastructure and regional cooperation.

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the strategic support of NITI Aayog, Tripura remains committed to the collective progress of the North East and the vision of Viksit Bharat, Dr. Saha mentioned in a social media post.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha and Secretary Kiran Gitte. After the meeting Dr. Saha had interactions with Chief Ministers of other NE states including Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Meanwhile, before the meeting, the Tripura Chief Minister presented the state's famous ‘Queen Pineapple’ to Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog Ashok Kumar Lahiri in New Delhi.

Addressing the session, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to NITI Aayog for its continued guidance and support to Tripura and the North-Eastern Region. He stated that Tripura’s Vision Document, Lakshya 2047, aims to build an “Unnato and Shreshtho” future-ready State through improved governance, institutional strengthening, and the optimal utilisation of available resources.

Highlighting the State’s achievements, Dr. Saha noted Tripura’s significant progress in governance reforms, digital transformation, investment promotion, healthcare, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He pointed out that Tripura secured the first rank among all States and Union Territories in Deregulation and Compliance Reduction in both Phase I and Phase II, underscoring the State’s commitment to ease of doing business and administrative efficiency.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the strengthening of Tripura’s institutional ecosystem through initiatives such as the Tripura Institution for Transformation, the Tripura Urban Planning and Development Authority, the Investment Promotion Agency of Tripura, and the Good Governance Department, all of which have played a vital role in enhancing policymaking and public service delivery.

During the interaction, Dr. Saha outlined the State’s key development priorities, including enhanced regional and international connectivity, promotion of the North East as an integrated investment destination, development of Agartala AI City, and positioning Tripura as a leading pharmaceutical and MedTech hub. He also highlighted the State’s immense potential in the natural fibres sector and called for stronger collaboration with national and international incubation centres to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Seeking support for critical infrastructure initiatives, the Chief Minister urged the early operationalisation of the Sabroom–Ramgarh Integrated Check Post and the Agartala–Akhaura railway link, introduction of direct Agartala–Chittagong flight services, revival of Kailashahar Airport, strengthening of railway connectivity, and commencement of Vande Bharat Express services between Agartala and Guwahati.

On the healthcare front, Dr. Saha informed the gathering that referrals of patients outside the State have reduced considerably, while Tripura’s Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 17 to 12 per 1,000 live births over the past three years. He reiterated the State Government’s request for the establishment of an AIIMS in Agartala and sought enhanced health financing support under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana (CM-JAY).

The Chief Minister also proposed the upgradation of the Netaji Subhash Regional Coaching Centre, Agartala, into a National Academy for Gymnastics, Football, Judo, and Swimming. In addition, he advocated the organisation of a multi-stage North East Cycling Race, modelled on the Tour de France, to promote sports, adventure tourism, and regional integration.

Reaffirming Tripura’s unwavering commitment to the collective progress of the North East and the national vision of Viksit Bharat, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha expressed confidence that the deliberations under the guidance of NITI Aayog would further accelerate the State’s development trajectory and unlock new opportunities for the entire North-Eastern Region.