Agartala, December 7:
The ongoing turmoil in neighboring Bangladesh has disrupted plans of international flight operations and delayed access to the Chittagong sea port, which is crucial for Tripura’s connectivity and trade.
This was highlighted by Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury while addressing a regional seminar titled “Infrastructure in North East India – Challenges and Way Ahead”, organized by the Indian Buildings Congress, Tripura Chapter, in collaboration with PWD Urban Development, PWD Rural Development, and Agartala Municipal Corporation.
The seminar, held at the Sukanta Academy Auditorium in Agartala, was inaugurated by Chowdhury in the presence of distinguished guests, including Er. O.P. Goel, founder president of Indian Buildings Congress (IBC) and former DG CPWD, Er. C. Debnath, president of IBC, New Delhi, and Er. Rajib Debbarma, Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B and Buildings), Tripura, among others.
Addressing the audience, Chowdhury emphasized the commitment of the current central government towards developing the North East, a region that had lagged behind since Independence.
He cited the Union Finance Minister’s allocation of ₹1.34 lakh crore for infrastructure and communication in the region, along with ongoing construction of over 4,000 km of national highways. For Tripura alone, projects worth ₹4,000 crore are currently underway.
Chowdhury credited the “double engine government” for this rapid progress, highlighting projects worth ₹500 crore aimed at boosting tourism infrastructure, with financial assistance from central and external agencies.
He asserted that these initiatives would create significant employment and livelihood opportunities in Tripura.
Despite this progress, Chowdhury noted that recent unrest in Bangladesh has delayed critical initiatives such as international flights between Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport and Chittagong, as well as the operationalization of the Maitri Setu over the Feni River, which connects Sabroom in Tripura to Chittagong sea port in Bangladesh via Ramgarh. Expressing optimism, the Minister hoped for a swift return to normalcy in Bangladesh to resume these vital connections.
Chowdhury underscored the visible transformation in infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, and education under the incumbent central and state governments, praising the role of engineers in nation-building.
The seminar brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Northeast India’s infrastructure development, charting a roadmap for sustainable growth in the region.
