Agartala, July 25, 2025:Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday laid the foundation stone for two major temple development projects- Maa Kasbeshwari Temple at Kamalasagar and Chaturdash Devta Temple at Khayerpur aimed at boosting Tripura’s religious tourism infrastructure.

Funded by the Asian Development Bank under the Externally Aided Projects scheme, the Kasbeshwari Temple project will receive ₹18.78 crore, while ₹13.63 crore has been sanctioned for the development of Chaturdasha Devata Bari. Both temples are culturally significant landmarks, rooted in Tripura’s royal heritage.

The foundation stone laying ceremony was held at Kasba in the presence of Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury and other dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Saha underscored the state’s commitment to preserving spiritual sites and transforming them into tourist-friendly destinations. He informed that he has written to the Centre seeking a revision in the funding cap under Externally Aided Projects, currently set at ₹4,000 crore over three years, to accelerate ongoing development works.

“These temples—Kasbeshwari, established by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, and Chaturdasha Devata Bari by Maharaja Krishna Kishore Manikya—are symbols of Tripura’s glorious past. There was a time when such heritage sites were neglected, but the current government is committed to reviving them,” Dr. Saha said.

Highlighting the state’s larger tourism vision, he reiterated the Centre’s initiative to develop at least one world-class tourist destination in each state and mentioned the proposed ’51 Shakti Peetha Park’ at Banduar as a step in that direction. He also announced the completion of a ₹34 crore project to renovate the 13-km approach road to Kasbeshwari Temple.

Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury emphasized the cultural significance of both temples and expressed hope that the beautification will draw more pilgrims and tourists. “This initiative will enhance the spiritual experience while preserving the original architectural heritage,” he said in a statement.

MLA Ratan Chakraborty joined the event virtually. Other attendees included Sepahijala Zilla Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Dutta, MLAs Antara Sarkar Deb, Tourism Secretary U.K. Chakma, Sepahijala DM Dr. Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, and SP Bijoy Debbarma.