Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has urged the Centre to increase the funding limit for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) from Rs 4,146 crore to Rs 10,000 crore to expedite project approvals. Speaking at the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council in Shillong, Saha also called for the introduction of direct flights between Agartala and Chittagong, along with a subsidy on natural gas to boost the state’s development and connectivity. The session was attended by key officials including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Development of North Eastern Region Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Saha presented a list of demands to the Centre, including the launch of Agartala-Chittagong flights, the early start of the Badarpur-Sabroom railway project, and a 40% discount on natural gas prices. He also requested the establishment of an IT Park, an increase in allocations under the ‘Pride of Hills’ scheme, and emphasized the state’s progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Tripura has witnessed substantial economic growth, doubling its Gross State Domestic Product and achieving per capita income at the national average.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s achievements, attracting investments exceeding Rs 30,000 crore in the past year and grounding projects worth over Rs 8,000 crore. He mentioned the recognition of more than 200 startups under the Tripura Startup Policy 2024 and improvements in the healthcare sector, leading to a significant reduction in out-of-state patient referrals. Saha also emphasized the need for quality road construction by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited and urged for infrastructure developments in various sectors.
Saha further pushed for the extension of Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport’s runway, operationalization of Kailashahar Airport under the UDAN scheme, and the introduction of electric passenger train services up to Sabroom. He also called for the establishment of an AIIMS in Agartala, an Information Technology Park, and a World Skill Centre. Referring to the recommendations of the Sixteenth Finance Commission, Saha appealed for increased support through the ‘Pride of Hills’ scheme to address Tripura’s developmental requirements. Additionally, he outlined strategies for investment promotion in the Northeast and proposed regional initiatives to boost economic growth and connectivity.
