Tripura Govt signs lease agreement with IHCL for luxury hotel

The Tripura government on Tuesday signed a lease agreement with the Indian Hotels Company Limited for development of 'Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel' in Agartala.

Under this project, the state's iconic Pushpabanta Palace would be developed into a world-class luxury hotel with the touch of royal heritage.

The Pushpabanta Palace constructed in 1917 is known for its architectural and historical values. The building was constructed by Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya Deb Barman Bahadur, the king of Tripura (1909-1923) in the early 20th Century.

Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who attended the lease agreement signing ceremony held at TIFT War Room, Agartala,, said this hotel would open doors to new tourism opportunities.

“With this project, people from outside the state will visit, and it will also highlight the legacy of the Maharajas," he said.

According to the Chief Minister, the tourists would not only stay in the hotel but also visit famous tourist destinations in the state.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized completion of the project within two years, though a three-tier dead has been set.

Minister for Tourism Sushanta Chowdhury, who also joined the event, described the move as a new beginning for the people of Tripura.

"This is the day the people have been eagerly waiting for. This has been possible because of uncompromising attitude of the Chief Minister," Chowdhury noted.

He also highlighted that the project would generate huge employment scopes to the state's youth.

Jayanta Das, Area Director and General Manager of IHCL, and officials including Secretary Kiran Gitte, Secretary U.K. Chakma and Secretary P.K. Chakraborty were present.

In accordance with the Tripura cabinet's approval, a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of the proposed hotel was signed in Agartala on March 14 this year.

As per the agreement, the IHCL will set up the luxury hotel with approximately 100 keys/rooms, banquet hall for large state functions, world class wellness area, fitness centres, swimming pool and kids club and other support areas while repositioning and expanding the Pushpabanta Palace.

The heritage building will be restored and used as a reception and public areas. Both resident and non-resident of Tripura will get to experience this state heritage once it has been restored to its original glory.

The lease granted under this Agreement will be valid for sixty years. Next it will be renewed automatically for another 30 years.