Gadkari Responds to Biplab Deb’s Appeal on NH Upgrades in Tripura

BY TC News Desk

Agartala, 29^th July 2025:  Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has informed that a three-member team from NHIDCL headquarters has assessed the damage to National Highways in Tripura, and that NIT Agartala along with DPR consultants have been engaged to prepare detailed proposals for permanent restoration work.

The update was conveyed in a letter addressed to Tripura Lok Sabha MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb.

Taking to Facebook, Deb expressed his sincere gratitude to the Union Minister for his continued support towards the development of road infrastructure in Tripura. He appreciated the Ministry’s prompt response in taking up flood-related damage repair and ensuring quality standards in ongoing highway works.

In the letter, Gadkari referred to Deb’s earlier communication seeking directions to NHIDCL for expediting highway projects in the state and upgrading the Kamalpur–Ambassa–Gandatwisa–Amarpur–Santirbazar stretch to a two-lane highway with paved shoulders under the National Highway network.

“I have had the matter examined, and the point-wise response submitted by NHIDCL to the concerns regarding National Highways in Tripura is enclosed,” Gadkari wrote.

The Union Minister acknowledged that delays in some projects had occurred due to land acquisition issues, local constraints, force majeure conditions, and underperformance by a few EPC contractors. He assured that corrective actions — including retendering and reallocation — had been initiated wherever required.

Gadkari further noted that the devastating floods in August 2024 had caused significant damage to both state and national highways in Tripura. “NHIDCL undertook immediate restoration and emergency repair works to ensure trafficability. A three-member team from NHIDCL headquarters assessed the extent of damage, and NIT Agartala, along with DPR consultants, has been engaged for preparing permanent restoration proposals. EPC contractors have also carried out repair works falling under their scope,” the letter stated.