Agartala: Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said that infrastructure development worth over Rs 300 crores is currently underway at various tourist spots across the state.
The Minister while speaking with Business North East (BNE) said that both the state and central governments are working collaboratively to enhance tourism in Tripura and have taken several initiatives for its development.
“The 25 years of Left Front rule failed to take any significant steps for developing tourism or attracting tourists to the state. They merely established the department without adequate infrastructure, new schemes, or initiatives. In the last five years, over Rs 500 crores have been spent on infrastructure development. As a result, thousands of tourists now visit Narkel Kunja in Dumboor. After the BJP government came to power in 2018, we put this destination on the world map to attract tourists, along with places like Chabimura, Neer Mahal, Jampui Hills, Unakoti, and others. We have invested Rs 500 crores in infrastructure development in these areas,” he said.
The Minister further stated that since 2023, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been providing funds to the Urban and Tourism Departments. Out of these funds, Rs 150 crores have been allocated for new infrastructure projects at Chabimura and Unakoti, including the development of eco-tourism and adventure tourism.
“About 20% of the work has been completed in the past six months. The projects are expected to be completed within the next year. Under the ICONIC project, the central government has sanctioned Rs 97.70 crores, of which Rs 62 crores have already been released. This funding will be used for setting up a replica of the 51 Shakti Peethas at Banduar, Udaipur, in the Gomati district, near the Tripura Sundari Temple", he said .
"In the Narkel Kunja area, we have over 40 islands in the Dumboor reservoir. We have decided to develop two islands for tourism, and a consent note for Rs 30 crores has already been issued. After the recent Tripura Tourism Fest, tourist footfall has significantly increased," said the minister.
ALSO READ: APWWA Partners with Tata STRIVE to Enhance Employability of Assam Police Personnel's Children
The Minister also shared that the state government plans to introduce district-wise package tours, which will be branded as Tourist Circuits.
“We have submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and are hopeful that once Swadesh Darshan 2 is announced, we will secure Rs 150 crores for the development of Unakoti and Agartala. Additionally, ADB has allocated Rs 18 crores for the development of Kasba Kali Bari,” he added.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
