West Tripura MP meets Union Tourism Minister, pushes key tourism projects

West Tripura MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Thursday held a detailed meeting with Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to discuss several key initiatives aimed at strengthening Tripura's tourism infrastructure, preserving its historical and religious heritage, and promoting cultural tourism.

During the meeting, Deb urged the Centre to expedite the implementation of the proposed tourism infrastructure projects around three historic temples in South Tripura—Jogmaya Kalibari in Belonia, Rajrajeswari Kalibari in Muhuripur, and Daityeswari Kalibari in Sabroom—to enhance their appeal as major religious tourism destinations.

The MP also emphasized the need to transform the internationally renowned Unakoti archaeological site into a world-class tourist destination by developing modern visitor facilities and integrated tourism infrastructure.

To improve accessibility and ensure safer travel for visitors, Deb requested the Union Minister for upgradation of one-kilometre stretch connecting National Highway-208 to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected Unakoti heritage site into a four-lane road.

Another major issue raised during the meeting was the long-pending demand for establishing an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Circle Office in Tripura. Deb said the office would significantly strengthen the conservation, restoration, and maintenance of the state's rich archaeological and historical heritage.

He also sought the early approval of additional funds required to complete the development of the Mata Tripurasundari Temple at Udaipur under the Centre's PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme.

The discussions focused on accelerating tourism-led development in Tripura while preserving the state's cultural and historical legacy through improved infrastructure and heritage conservation initiatives.