Agartala, Oct 8: A commercial complex-cum-multi-level parking facility was inaugurated in Agartala on Thursday, with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha saying the project would help ease traffic congestion and address the city’s growing parking problems.
The facility witnessed a large gathering of people soon after its inauguration, particularly at the newly opened commercial complex.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Saha said the project was part of efforts to create modern urban infrastructure in the heart of Agartala and improve facilities for residents and visitors.
He said the foundation stone for the project was laid in 2022 and the progress of the work was regularly reviewed to ensure its completion within the stipulated timeframe.
Referring to the site’s earlier use as a motor stand, Saha said the area had witnessed several problems and disputes involving vehicle owners and workers.
He said the state government was committed to protecting the interests of workers and vehicle owners while providing proper arrangements for parking and other facilities.
Saha said his government had been implementing various development projects since 2018 with the objective of improving urban infrastructure and bringing modern facilities to Agartala.
Highlighting the project’s financing model, the chief minister said the facility had been developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
He said the government had not incurred expenditure on the project and instead received a land premium from the private investment company for use of the space. The government would also receive an annual fee, creating a regular source of revenue, he said.
Saha said the multi-level parking facility would help reduce traffic congestion in the city and warned that action would be taken against illegal parking on roads to ensure smooth movement of vehicles.
He also said similar multi-level parking facilities were planned in other parts of Agartala.
The chief minister said the project had also generated employment opportunities for a large number of local youths.
He said construction of a large ‘Unity Mall’ at Badharghat was underway and the government had set a target of completing the project by March next year.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, Deputy Mayor Manika Das Dutta, Corporator Ratna Dutta, Chief Minister’s Secretary Kiran Gitte, Urban Development Department Secretary Milind Ramteke and Municipal Commissioner Saju Wahid A., among others, attended the inaugural programme.
