Agartala, 19th May 2026: The Tripura government has intensified its push towards smart urban infrastructure and renewable energy, with Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha reviewing major power and water projects and stressing rapid completion of ongoing works across urban areas.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the TIFT Conference Hall in Agartala, the Chief Minister laid special emphasis on expanding solar energy usage, modernising the power distribution network, and improving public safety through solar-powered lighting systems.
Officials informed the meeting that large-scale infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion under Asian Development Bank-funded projects, including underground electricity networks, covered conductors, LT AB cables, and new substations aimed at strengthening urban power supply.
A major smart grid project worth nearly Rs 1,500 crore has already commenced in Agartala city, featuring underground transmission systems, advanced substations, and a smart grid control centre to improve efficiency and reduce outages.
The government is also accelerating smart meter installation in urban areas. Around 70 percent of the installation work covering 1.5 lakh consumers in Agartala Municipal Corporation and Mohanpur Municipal Council has already been completed, officials said.
Highlighting the state’s renewable energy goals, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said over 2,800 solar units have been installed in urban areas under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with subsidies exceeding Rs 53 crore disbursed so far. The state now plans to extend solar panel coverage to nearly 1.5 lakh urban households.
The Chief Minister also directed departments to identify sensitive urban locations and install solar-powered high mast lights to enhance security and public safety. He further asked officials to explore solar-based alternative power arrangements for Matabari.
Officials from Tripura Power Transmission Limited informed the meeting that drone monitoring systems and live-line maintenance techniques are being introduced under the SASCI scheme to ensure uninterrupted power supply and protect transmission infrastructure from lightning damage.
