Tripura CM meets Gadkari, seeks faster execution of NH projects in state

Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi and discussed measures to accelerate the implementation of ongoing National Highway projects in the state. 

According to the Chief Minister, the meeting focused on expediting the execution of key highway works currently underway in Tripura while also exploring new road infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening connectivity across the state. 

Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Dr. Saha described the discussions as 'fruitful' and said improved road infrastructure would play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity and supporting the state's overall development. 

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Gadkari for the Centre's continued support and commitment towards the expansion and modernization of Tripura's road network, stating that the cooperation would help accelerate the state's infrastructure growth.

Several key decisions were taken during the meeting to ensure the time-bound execution of major projects.

The alignment for the 130-km four-lane Greenfield stretch of NH-08 from Churaibari to Champaknagar has been approved in consultation with the state government. The highway, to be constructed parallel to the railway line, will include tunnels through the Atharamura and Longtharai hill ranges. Land acquisition is expected to begin shortly.

The state government has been requested to complete acquisition of 90 per cent of the required land and utility shifting by August 2026 for the remaining four-lane stretch of NH-08 between Ranirbazar and the ISBT at Chandrapur. Following this, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will invite tenders for the project.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Agartala-Udaipur four-lane section of NH-08 is in its final stage. The project has been proposed in view of increasing traffic, tourism, and pilgrim movement. Land acquisition will commence after the alignment is finalized in August.

The DPR for upgrading the 24-km Udaipur-Amarpur road as a spur of NH-08 is also nearing completion. The project is expected to improve connectivity to the Tripurasundari Temple at Matabari as well as the Chabimura and Dumbur tourist destinations.

Considering the region's tourism, trade, and natural gas-based economic potential, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will undertake the development of the 148-km Kamalpur-Ambassa-Gandacherra-Shantirbazar road.

For the proposed 25-km western bypass of Agartala, fresh tenders will be floated incorporating service lanes to address the needs of densely populated areas.

Work on the 10-km four-lane eastern bypass from Lembucherra to Khayerpur will begin after finalisation of the alignment and completion of land acquisition.

The meeting also decided to reconstruct and strengthen damaged stretches of NH-108B (Agartala-Khowai), NH-208 (Kumarghat-Kailashahar and Kailashahar-Khowai), and NH-208A (Kailashahar-Kurti Bridge) in accordance with the recommendations of the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI).

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for adequate drainage systems and retaining walls along National Highways to prevent waterlogging in nearby habitations during the monsoon and reduce the risk of landslides in hilly areas.

It was also informed that discussions are underway with the Government of Assam to widen the NH-208A spur road from Kurti Bridge to Chandkhira from seven metres to ten metres.

The Tripura government assured full cooperation in land acquisition, forest clearances, and utility shifting to facilitate speedy implementation of all approved projects.

The meeting was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways V. Umashankar, NHIDCL Managing Director Krishna Kumar, Tripura PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte, Chief Engineer (National Highways) Subrata Banik, NHIDCL regional officials, and other senior officers.

Concluding the meeting, Chief Minister Manik Saha thanked Nitin Gadkari for approving a record number of National Highway projects and the Agartala Ring Road project. He said the initiatives would not only strengthen Tripura's road infrastructure but also boost investment and accelerate the state's overall economic growth.