In a significant development, the central government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have finalized a crucial agreement on December 22, securing a substantial USD 100 million loan. The agreement is strategically designed to bolster urban services and tourism facilities in the northeastern state of Tripura.
Following the official signing ceremony, Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, Juhi Mukherjee, underscored the project’s primary focus on the enhancement of municipal infrastructure and public services in urban local bodies along the key national highways in Tripura. This initiative also aims to elevate key tourism sites in the region.
Nilaya Mitash, representing ADB’s India Resident Mission, provided insights into the broader objectives of the project. He emphasized that the undertaking would position Tripura as a gateway to the northeast region by developing tourist destinations along highways. Additionally, the project seeks to improve urban governance and financial sustainability through enhanced resource mobilization and creditworthiness.
Mitash further explained that ADB’s support would strengthen the capacity of urban local bodies for integrated planning, including climate and disaster resilience. The initiative includes the installation of 42 kilometers of new transmission and distribution pipes for urban water supply systems, the establishment of four new water treatment plants, and the improvement of 55 kilometers of stormwater drains.
Urban roads are slated for a significant upgrade, encompassing 21 kilometers with features catering to the specific needs of the elderly, women, children, and differently-abled individuals. In a bid to enhance the delivery of urban services, the project will provide essential skills training to 12 urban local bodies, covering areas such as planning, infrastructure operations and maintenance, financial management, gender equality, social inclusion, and project management.
Furthermore, the state government is set to update building regulations to incorporate spatial planning and green building principles for climate and disaster resilience. ADB’s involvement extends to upgrading renowned tourist destinations, including the Chaturdash Devata Temple, Kasba Kalibari, and Neermahal Palace. These enhancements will focus on improving amenities, rooms, landscaping, and making these sites more visitor- and gender-friendly. The project will also introduce a digital museum and a new adventure park.
As part of the strategy, a comprehensive 10-year tourism business plan is in the pipeline, guiding marketing, promotion, and attracting private sector involvement. Simultaneously, the state’s tourism policy is poised for an update, signaling a holistic approach to the development of urban infrastructure and tourism facilities in Tripura.
