Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Sunday said that the communication system in Tripura is experiencing significant development due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasized that efforts are underway to launch international flight operations from MBB Airport soon.

Dr Saha said this during the unveiling ceremony of the 5-meter-tall bronze statue of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur at MBB Airport in Agartala.

He mentioned that previously, this airport was known as Singerbil Airport and was relatively small.

“The Manikya dynasty has played a crucial role in the development of Tripura. Despite their significant contributions, proper recognition was not accorded to them in the past. However, since Narendra Modi assumed office as the Prime Minister in 2014 and the BJP-led government took charge in 2018, the Maharajas of Tripura have been honored and given due respect. A particular emphasis has been placed on the development of Singerbil Airport, which is undergoing modernization in plain view. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially dedicated the airport in honor of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur”, he said.

Approximately Rs 35 lakh was spent on creating and installing the bronze statue of Maharaja Bir Bikram.

"In the 70s, none of us could have imagined that such a beautiful airport would be built in Tripura. This airport is now one of the most attractive in the North East. We take pride when people from outside compliment the beauty of our airport. This achievement is possible because of the vision of PM Modi. His commitment to the development of Tripura is evident through initiatives such as the Act East policy, aimed at fostering the growth of North Eastern states. For him the communication system in the region is experiencing tremendous development. Presently, around 32 flights take off daily from Agartala airport, with approximately four thousand passengers coming and going. This level of connectivity was never anticipated," said Dr Saha.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government has undertaken positive initiatives to commence international flight services from Agartala airport.

"Everything is being addressed, from immigration to security arrangements, to facilitate the prompt initiation of international flight services. International services are expected to be launched soon. Thanks to the Prime Minister as Tripura is making progress in air connectivity, road connectivity, and rail connectivity," he added.

During the program, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Information and Cultural Affairs Department Secretary PK Chakraborty, Transport Department Secretary Uttam Kumar Chakma, MBB Airport Director KC Meena, and others were present.