Agartala, September 9:
The Tripura government has intensified monitoring of major transport and infrastructure projects funded under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, with Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury directing officials to remove bottlenecks and accelerate execution.
Chowdhury held a high-level review meeting at the state secretariat on Wednesday to assess the progress of priority projects under the Transport Department. The meeting examined the status of ongoing works, implementation challenges and steps required to ensure that projects are completed within the targeted timelines.
Senior officials from the Public Works, Transport, Rural Development, Tourism and Water Resources departments participated in the review, highlighting the need for coordinated action across agencies involved in infrastructure development.
Officials briefed the Minister on the progress of various sanctioned projects, including works that are advancing as planned and those where execution has encountered administrative or operational hurdles.
The Minister said effective utilisation of SASCI assistance could significantly strengthen Tripura’s infrastructure base and improve connectivity across the state.
According to Chowdhury, transport infrastructure has a direct bearing on economic activity and the everyday movement of people. He stressed that the projects should be viewed not merely as construction works but as investments aimed at improving connectivity and supporting the state’s long-term development.
“These projects are not just about infrastructure; they are about strengthening the backbone of Tripura’s economy and improving the daily lives of our citizens,” he said.
Chowdhury instructed the departments concerned to work in close coordination and resolve pending issues at the earliest. He also stressed accountability among implementing agencies, making it clear that procedural delays should not unnecessarily affect project completion.
The involvement of departments beyond Transport was particularly important during the review, as several projects require coordination on construction, road connectivity, rural development, tourism infrastructure and water-related issues.
Officials were asked to maintain regular coordination and identify problems at the implementation stage so that corrective measures can be taken without delay. The focus was also placed on ensuring that faster execution does not compromise the quality of the infrastructure being created.
The SASCI scheme provides financial assistance to states for capital investment and the creation of durable public assets. Tripura has been utilising the scheme to advance infrastructure development in key sectors, with transport and connectivity forming an important component of the state’s investment priorities.
Improved transport infrastructure is expected to strengthen links between rural and urban areas while facilitating movement of people and goods. Better connectivity could also provide a boost to tourism, trade and other economic activities across the state.
The latest review comes as the government seeks to ensure that sanctioned investments translate into visible progress on the ground. Departments have been asked to maintain momentum and address implementation hurdles through coordinated action.
The Transport Department will continue to monitor the priority projects, while inter-departmental coordination is expected to remain central to efforts to complete the works within the prescribed timeframe.
