Agartala: March 01. Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that he has requested the Central government to start international flight services from Agartala at the earliest.
“Development is our top priority. One of the goals of our government is to work for the people, and we are continuously striving towards that. In the future, a request has been made to Delhi to start international flights from MBB Airport to other countries,” said Dr. Saha.
He made these remarks while laying the foundation stone of the new office building of SDM, Sadar, at the SDM Sadar Office Complex in Agartala.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the necessity of change for development, stating that ₹7,000 crore was allocated for infrastructure development in the last assembly budget session.
“Infrastructure development is a crucial issue. The lifespan of any constructed building is typically 50 years, but in this case, it has been 75 years. So, it is time to build a new one. Initially, the plan was for a G+2 structure, which was later revised to G+5. However, since our law has now been passed, I suggested that the proposed building be made G+7 to provide more spacious office areas and ensure work convenience. The estimated project cost is ₹17 crore, and the completion time has been set at 22 months. However, I would like to see the work completed within one and a half years. With proper monitoring, the project can be completed within one and a half to two years. I urge the concerned officials to oversee this matter carefully,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that the SDM office holds a nostalgic connection, particularly for the employees who have worked there over the years.
“Many of them have retired in the meantime. The Tripura government is committed to infrastructure development across the state. For this, it is essential to engage with stakeholders and plan in advance for each project,” he added.
Dr. Saha also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that development is essential for progress and that socio-economic upliftment will resolve many challenges.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given us the HIRA model. About 839 km of national highway work is currently underway in Tripura, with more than half of it already completed. Decisions have been made for four additional highways. The improved communication system now allows many people posted in distant locations to commute daily. Rail services have also improved significantly, with express train services connecting Tripura to various states. Vande Bharat trains will be introduced soon. I recently spoke to the Railway Minister, who assured me that Tripura will receive Vande Bharat services, along with inter-city trains. The Prime Minister is leading us towards progress,” he said.
Dr. Saha highlighted that Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport is one of the most beautiful airports in the Northeast, with excellent infrastructure.
“Several flights are currently operating, and more will be added in the coming days. Our airport will soon meet international standards. Initially, there were discussions about starting international flights to Chittagong, Bangladesh, but given the current situation there, that plan is on hold. I have also placed a demand before the Central government to facilitate international flights from Agartala,” he added.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Revenue Department Secretary Brijesh Pandey, West District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, Additional District Magistrates Sajal Biswas and Megha Jain, Sadar Subdivision Magistrate Manik Lal Das, and other officials.
