Completion of alternative highway to transform Tripura’s road connectivity: CM tells House
The Tripura government is committed to completing the construction and upgradation of national highways within stipulated timelines while maintaining quality standards, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha said in the Assembly on Monday.
The Chief Minister was speaking during a discussion on a notice moved by MLA Antara Sarkar Deb during the Mention Hour regarding the need to expedite the construction of the Agartala–Khowai–Kamalpur–Kailashahar National Highway.
Dr. Saha said the state government, in coordination with the Central government and concerned central agencies, is taking all necessary measures to strengthen and modernise Tripura’s road connectivity.
He said that before 2014-15, only one national highway—the NH-8 stretch from Churaibari to Agartala, Udaipur and Sabroom—was under upgradation, covering 319 km.
Subsequently, the state and Central governments jointly undertook the expansion and development of five additional national highways. These include NH-44A from Manu to Shimlung (134 km), NH-208 from Kumarghat through Kailashahar, Kamalpur, Khowai and Teliamura to Amarpur-Harina (Sakram) (265 km), NH-208A from Kailashahar to Kurti (45 km), NH-108B from Khowai to Agartala (55 km), and NH-108A from Jolaibari to Belonia (22.90 km).
The Chief Minister described the Agartala–Khowai–Kamalpur–Kailashahar–Kurti National Highway as a critical lifeline for modernising Tripura’s road network. The alternative highway, comprising sections of NH-108B, NH-208 and NH-208A, provides an alternative route to NH-08.
The route consists of approximately 38 km of NH-108B between Agartala and Khowai, 80.20 km of NH-208 connecting Khowai, Kamalpur and Kailashahar, and 36.25 km of NH-208A from Kailashahar to Kurti Bridge, where it connects with NH-08 in Assam. The total length of the alternative highway is 154.45 km.
According to the Chief Minister, the project has been divided into 11 packages for upgrading the road to two lanes and is being implemented under the supervision of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
The Agartala–Khowai section, covered under NH-108B, has been divided into three packages. Package-I, covering the 12.8-km Lembucherra–Mohanpur stretch, was completed on April 22, 2023. Necessary repair and maintenance work is currently being undertaken by the EPC contractor.
Package-II covers the 12-km Mohanpur–Subalsing/Hejamara stretch. The contract was initially awarded to M/s KLD Creation Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. on June 8, 2021. However, due to unsatisfactory progress, NHIDCL terminated the contract on July 18, 2023.
A fresh tender was subsequently invited for the remaining work, which was awarded to M/s Sahu Construction on March 1, 2024. The EPC contractor has achieved only 51.14% physical progress and failed to meet the revised target date of January 19, 2026. NHIDCL issued several notices to the contractor in accordance with the terms of the contract.
Meanwhile, a third-party agency was engaged to maintain the road. Heavy rainfall during June and July 2026 caused extensive mud accumulation and damage along the stretch. Although the EPC contractor undertook desilting and pothole-filling works, these were deemed insufficient considering the extent of damage and rainfall.
To ensure that the road remained operational and safe for commuters, NHIDCL issued a suspension notice to the EPC contractor on July 23, 2026. It also initiated urgent temporary maintenance and repair works through departmental arrangements to ensure uninterrupted vehicular movement and public safety.
The Chief Minister said vehicular movement is currently continuing without any major disruption and the overall condition of the stretch is improving.
He added that a 60-day cure period notice had been issued to the EPC contractor on July 13, 2026. After the expiry of the cure period, further action, including termination of the contract, would be taken as per the agreement, following which a new contractor would be finalised. Until then, NHIDCL would continue to ensure that the road remains motorable.
NHIDCL, with financial support from the Central government, is also expediting reconstruction and two-laning and four-laning works on various national highways across Tripura, the Chief Minister said.
He said the state government is maintaining continuous coordination with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and NHIDCL to ensure quality standards and timely completion of key road projects.
Once completed, the projects are expected to bring a major transformation to Tripura’s connectivity, particularly by reducing the state’s dependence on NH-08. The alternative highway will provide a reliable all-weather route connecting the state capital Agartala with northern and central parts of Tripura.
At present, Tripura remains heavily dependent on NH-08 as its principal highway. Any disruption caused by landslides or floods along the Assam–Agartala route can affect the supply of food, essential commodities and fuel to the state.
The completion of the alternative highway is expected to reduce this dependence, while also saving travel time and fuel. Farmers, traders, students and the general public are expected to benefit from improved connectivity.
The improved road network is also likely to boost tourism, trade, industry and broader economic activity in the state.
MLA Nirmal Biswas also participated in the discussion on the issue raised by Antara Sarkar Deb.
