Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has stressed on developing connectivity among Northeastern states including Tripura. At the same time he has stressed on expediting the 4-lane work of the NH-8 from Churaibari to Agartala.

Making this demand a review meeting on National Highways held last evening at Hotel Radisson Blue, Guwahati Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said, the National Highway the NH-8 from Churaibari to Agartala has already been declared a 4-lane highway and work is going on for that on the stretch from Champaknagar to Khayerpur. He has stressed on completing work on rest of the stretch also.

Apart from the Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari the meeting was also attended by the Union minister of state for road transport and highways Gen. (retd.) V. K. Singh, managing director of NHIDCL and representatives of different Northeastern states. Thanking the Union minister for road transport and highways for sanctioning different NH projects for the development of connectivity in the region Dr Manik Saha said, over the last nine years the length of National Highways in the state has increased from 509 km. to 914 km. For the state Rs. 9034 crore has been sanctioned for 31 NH related projects. Out of this 16 projects have been implemented through NHIDCL and state PWD spending Rs. 3977 crore and creating 383 km. road. At present construction of 225 km road at the cost of Rs. 5057 crore is going on under 15 projects. Out of this, till December 31, 2023, eight projects are supposed to be completed. All these eight projects are being implemented through NHIDCL.

In addition, for the development of road connectivity in Tripura, projects for 265 km. road worth Rs 4607 crore are in process. Besides, the Chief Minister requested for notifying four in-principle announced NH. These are – Champaknagar – Udaipur (NH-08) via Khumulwng and Jampuijala 40 km road, Kamalpur – Santirbazar 148 km. road via Ambassa (NH-8), Gandatwisa-Amarpur (NH 208), Amarpur (NH-208) – Udaipur (NH-8) 24 km road, and Santirbazar to Belonia 17.25 km road. These roads will facilitate alternative connectivity for different district, sub-division, block, markets, tourist places and tribal areas. So, these are vital roads. The chief minister also assured of state’s all-out cooperation in regard to land acquisition, diversion of forest, utilities etc. while implementing these projects. Stressing on quality work he said, Tripura is a hilly state and its soil is soft. So, to facilitate flow of rain water drainage and cross drainage will be required. He requested for taking extra care on these while preparing DPR. Lastly he thanked all the agencies engaged for connectivity development projects in Tripura and requested to ensure standard of quality in work.