Agartala, 4th June 2026: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha strongly advocated for enhanced infrastructure, connectivity, and investment support for the state while addressing the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong on Wednesday.
Speaking in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of State Sukanta Majumder, governors, and chief ministers of the Northeast, Dr. Saha highlighted Tripura’s developmental achievements and outlined key proposals aimed at accelerating the state’s growth.
The Chief Minister urged the Centre to prioritize direct air connectivity between Agartala and Chittagong, operationalize Kailashahar Airport under the UDAN scheme, and extend Agartala Airport’s runway. He also sought the early launch of the Badarpur–Sabroom double-line railway project, introduction of electric passenger train services up to Sabroom, and commencement of a Vande Bharat Express linking Agartala with Guwahati.
Seeking greater financial support, Dr. Saha requested an increase in Tripura’s ceiling for Externally Aided Projects (EAP) from Rs. 4,146 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore to facilitate pending development projects. He further appealed for enhancing annual allocations under the ‘Pride of Hills’ scheme from Rs. 3,450 crore to Rs. 6,000 crore.
The Chief Minister also proposed a 40 percent rebate on natural gas prices, establishment of an AIIMS in Agartala, and sanctioning of an Information Technology Park and a World Skill Centre under the PM-DevINE initiative.
Highlighting the state’s progress, Dr. Saha said Tripura’s Gross State Domestic Product has doubled over the past six years and per capita income has reached the national average. He noted that the state has attracted investment proposals exceeding Rs. 30,000 crore over the last year, while projects worth more than Rs. 8,000 crore have already been grounded. More than 200 startups have been recognized under the Tripura Startup Policy 2024.
He also pointed to significant improvements in healthcare and education, stating that referrals of patients outside the state have dropped by 80 percent, while MBBS and postgraduate medical seats have increased substantially in recent years.
On road infrastructure, Dr. Saha called upon NHIDCL to ensure quality construction and expedite four-laning projects on the Churaibari–Mugaikami, Agartala–Udaipur and Udaipur–Amarpur corridors.
As Convener and Chairman of the High-Level Task Force on investment promotion in the Northeast, the Chief Minister outlined strategies for regional economic growth. These included developing the Northeast as India’s Green Industrial Hub, creating an Eastern Startup Corridor, establishing a North East Industrial Free Trade Authority, promoting cross-border industrial clusters, setting up a North East Skills University, and expanding community-based tourism initiatives.
He emphasized that coordinated efforts and targeted investments would help unlock the Northeast’s full economic potential and strengthen its role in India’s growth story.
