Agartala, Oct 8: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated a commercial complex-cum-multi-level parking facility in Agartala, saying the project would help ease traffic congestion and address the city’s parking problems.
The newly opened facility attracted a large number of visitors soon after the inauguration, particularly the commercial complex, officials said.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Saha said the project was aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure and providing modern facilities to residents in the heart of Agartala.
He said the foundation stone of the project was laid in 2022 and its progress was monitored regularly to ensure completion within the stipulated timeframe.
Referring to the site’s earlier use as a motor stand, Saha said the area had witnessed various 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 undertaken several 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 the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
He said the government had not incurred expenditure on the project and had instead received a land premium from the private investment company for use of the site. The government would also receive an annual fee from the project, creating a regular source of revenue, he said.
Saha said the multi-level parking facility would help reduce traffic congestion and improve vehicular movement in Agartala.
He said action would be taken against illegal parking on roads to ensure smooth traffic movement and added that similar parking facilities were planned at other locations in the city.
The chief minister also highlighted employment opportunities generated by the project for 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.
