Agartala, June 05, 2026: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha has urged the Centre to expedite several crucial infrastructure and development projects for the state, including direct air connectivity between Agartala and Chittagong, commencement of the Badarpur–Sabroom double-line railway project, establishment of an IT Park, and a substantial increase in funding under the ‘Pride of Hills’ scheme.
Speaking at the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong on Thursday, Dr. Saha highlighted Tripura’s development achievements and outlined a series of proposals aimed at accelerating the state’s growth. The meeting was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumder, Chief Ministers and Governors of all Northeastern states.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said Tripura has witnessed significant socio-economic progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the support of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He noted that the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has doubled over the past six years, while per capita income has reached the national average. He further stated that Tripura has received over 350 national and regional awards in the last eight years for achievements across various sectors.
Highlighting the state’s economic growth, the Chief Minister informed that Tripura attracted investments worth more than Rs. 30,000 crore during the past year, with projects valued at over Rs. 8,000 crore already grounded. He also pointed out that more than 200 startups have been recognised under the Tripura Startup Policy 2024.
On healthcare, Dr. Saha said improved medical infrastructure has reduced out-of-state patient referrals by nearly 80 percent. He added that MBBS seats in the state have increased from 225 to 550, while postgraduate medical seats have risen from 85 to 196 over the last four years.
Seeking enhanced connectivity, the Chief Minister called upon the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to ensure quality road construction and prioritise four-laning of the Churaibari–Mugiakami, Agartala–Udaipur and Udaipur–Amarpur road stretches.
Among his major demands, Dr. Saha urged the Centre to operationalise direct Agartala–Chittagong flight services, extend the runway at Agartala airport, revive Kailashahar Airport under the UDAN scheme, and fast-track railway projects including the Badarpur–Sabroom double line, electric passenger train services up to Sabroom and introduction of a Vande Bharat Express connecting Agartala and Guwahati.
The Chief Minister also sought a 40 percent rebate on natural gas prices for the state and requested the establishment of an AIIMS in Agartala. He further appealed to the Ministry of DoNER to sanction an Information Technology Park and a World Skill Centre under the PM-DevINE scheme.
Expressing concern over the absence of a Revenue Deficit Grant recommendation by the Sixteenth Finance Commission, Dr. Saha requested enhancement of allocations under the ‘Pride of Hills’ scheme from the existing Rs. 3,450 crore to at least Rs. 6,000 crore annually for Tripura.
He also urged the Centre to increase the ceiling for Externally Aided Projects (EAP) from the current Rs. 4,146 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore, enabling approval of several projects currently in the pipeline.
As Convener and Chairman of the High-Level Task Force on Investment Promotion in the Northeast, Dr. Saha presented strategies for attracting investment across the region. He outlined key growth sectors, challenges and solutions while providing an overview of opportunities across all Northeastern states.
The Chief Minister additionally proposed a range of regional initiatives, including development of the Northeast as India’s Green Industrial Hub, creation of an Eastern Startup Corridor, establishment of a North East Industrial Free Trade Authority, promotion of cross-border economic clusters, setting up of a North East Skills University with campuses across all states, and expansion of tourism through community-driven models.
On regional connectivity, he advocated coordinated multi-state planning and implementation of high-impact infrastructure projects with private sector participation to unlock the Northeast’s full economic potential.
