**Agartala:** Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha told the Tripura Legislative Assembly on Monday that 204.45 kilometres of state roads have already been upgraded to double-lane standards, while further road-widening projects will be taken up in phases based on land availability and financial resources.
The statement came in response to a question from BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain, who sought faster road upgrades and proposed an alternative alignment for the Bishramganj–Melaghar–Sonamura–Belonia highway.
Hossain suggested routing the highway through Bishalgarh, Boxanagar and Sonamura, arguing that the alignment could benefit three constituencies while also reducing flood-related risks along the Gomati river embankment.
Dr. Saha said routes involving Bishalgarh, Boxanagar and the Amtali–Sabroom corridor were already being considered for double-lane development, subject to availability of funds.
The Assembly also discussed proposals for expanding the state’s flyover network and introducing metro connectivity to Udaipur, Teliamura and the airport. CPI(M) MLA Dipankar Sen raised the issue during the session.
Responding to the proposals, the Chief Minister clarified that there was no plan to extend the airport flyover towards Amtali. Instead, the government has proposed a 3.985-km double-lane flyover beginning at Fire Brigade Chowmuhani and passing through CAD Chowmuhani, Shankar Chowmuhani and Durga Chowmuhani before crossing Katartal and reaching Radhanagar Bus Stand, with connectivity towards Battala.
Dr. Saha said feasibility studies and layout planning for the proposed flyover have begun, along with preparations related to land acquisition. The project will proceed after obtaining approval from the Finance Department.
He also referred to an earlier proposal for a 2.905-km flyover connecting IGM Chowmuhani with Circuit House, estimated at ₹593.33 crore. However, difficulties arising from existing buildings led authorities to explore an alternative alignment. An amount of ₹65 crore has already been sanctioned for land acquisition.
Tipra Motha MLA Sanjay Tripura sought double-laning of the Karbook–Shantirbazar and Tirthamukh–Gandacherra routes. The Chief Minister said the Shantirbazar (NH-08) to NH-208 road has been proposed to the Asian Development Bank for funding.
Dr. Saha stressed that road widening would be undertaken according to Indian Roads Congress standards, based on traffic volume measured in Passenger Car Units, as well as technical feasibility, land availability and financial resources.
