Agartala 23rd July 2026 : West Tripura Lok Sabha MP and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Thursday met Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and raised several demands for the development of tourism infrastructure, preservation of heritage sites, and promotion of cultural tourism in Tripura.
During the meeting, Deb urged the Centre to expedite several important projects aimed at boosting tourism in the state. He discussed the proposed development of three historic Shakti Peethas in South Tripura district — Jogmaya Kalibari in Belonia, Rajrajeshwari Kalibari in Muhuripur, and Daityeshwari Kalibari in Sabroom. The project, estimated to cost around Rs 29.87 crore, has already been submitted by the Tripura Tourism Department to the Union Tourism Ministry.
Deb also highlighted the need to transform the famous Unakoti archaeological site into a world-class tourist destination. He demanded the expansion of the nearly one-kilometre road from National Highway 208 to the ASI-protected Unakoti site into a four-lane road. He also proposed the development of an open stage, landscaping, tourist accommodation, an eco-museum, souvenir shops, cafeterias, modern toilets, drinking water facilities, parking areas, adventure activities and other tourism infrastructure at the site.
The MP further urged the minister to facilitate the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) NOC required for the proposed Unakoti development project, which is estimated to cost around Rs 100 crore.
During the meeting, Deb strongly raised the long-pending demand for setting up a separate ASI Circle Office in Tripura. He pointed out that out of the 10 centrally protected monuments currently under the Aizawl Circle, eight are located in Tripura. He said the absence of an ASI Circle Office in the state has created difficulties in conservation, maintenance and administrative work.
Deb also requested early completion of the Mata Tripurasundari Temple development project under the PRASAD scheme. He informed that the Union Tourism Ministry has already sanctioned Rs 37.80 crore for the project, but an additional Rs 17.61 crore is required due to further development needs. He urged the Centre to approve the additional funds at the earliest to complete the project within the scheduled timeframe.
The MP said strengthening tourism infrastructure would help showcase Tripura’s rich religious, historical and cultural heritage on national and international platforms. He added that successful implementation of these projects would boost the tourism sector, create employment opportunities, strengthen the local economy and enhance Tripura’s tourism potential in the Northeast region.
