Agartala, November 17, 2025: Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Monday stressed the importance of a modern and safe road network for accelerating the state’s economic and transport development.

“For the overall development of the state, progress in the economic and transportation sectors is possible only through a well-planned and safe road system,” the minister said, adding that the government aims to complete the national highway expansion works within the stipulated time to ensure better connectivity and public convenience.

Chowdhury chaired an important review meeting at the State Secretariat on the expansion and upgradation of the Assam–Agartala National Highway (NH-8) from Ranirbazar Fire Station in Majlishpur to the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Madhavbari. The project involves widening the existing stretch into four lanes.

Officials present at the meeting included Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Public Works Department; representatives of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the implementing agency; the Chief Engineer and Superintending Engineer of the PWD (NH) Division; and other senior officials.

The minister was briefed in detail on the project’s progress, challenges and pending issues through a PowerPoint presentation.

“I urge all concerned to identify and resolve the issues hampering implementation on a priority basis. We must find ways to overcome the obstacles and complete the project very quickly within the specified time frame,” Chowdhury stated.

He reiterated that the expansion of NH-8 is crucial for enhancing road connectivity, improving safety and driving the state’s economic growth.