Agartala, January 23: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia arrived in Agartala on Friday on a three-day visit to Tripura, during which he will review major tourism destinations and inspect several development projects funded by the Ministry of DoNER.
Speaking to reporters at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport, Scindia said it was a pleasure to return to Tripura, a state with which his family shares a deep historical connection. He recalled that his aunt, Maharani Padmaraje, was married to the former Maharaja of Tripura, adding that the state holds a special emotional bond for him.
The Union Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains firmly committed to the development of the “Ashtalakshmi” — the eight states of the Northeast. As part of this vision, Scindia announced projects worth around ₹540 crore for Tripura, of which nearly ₹240 crore will involve foundation stone-laying and inauguration of projects in sectors such as roads, health, tourism and power, with major contributions from the Government of India.
Praising Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, Scindia described him as cooperative, visionary and forward-thinking, and said he felt fortunate to work closely with him for the state’s all-round development.
During the visit, the Union Minister, along with the Chief Minister, will travel to Dumboor to lay the foundation stone of the ambitious Matabari Tourism Circuit project, estimated to cost between ₹250 and ₹270 crore. The project aims to boost tourism infrastructure and economic opportunities in the region.
Scindia also highlighted that the Centre is focusing on development across all sectors, including a pilot project on agarwood — often referred to as “liquid gold” — conceived by the DoNER Ministry for Tripura and Assam.
As part of his itinerary, the Union Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for multiple DoNER-funded projects, besides inspecting key tourism sites across the state. He is also scheduled to visit the revered Matabari Tripurasundari Temple later in the evening.
