Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha urges the Centre to increase EAP funding cap beyond Rs 4,000 crore to sustain development. He emphasizes tourism-led growth, restoration of royal heritage sites, and massive infrastructure projects, including World Bank and ADB-funded initiatives, to transform Tripura into a key religious tourism hub.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has urged the Central Government to raise the cap on Externally Aided Project (EAP) funding beyond the current Rs 4,000 crore, citing the growing needs of the state’s development initiatives. The request was made in a public address during the foundation stone laying ceremony of two major tourism infrastructure projects at Kamalasagar and the Chaturdash Devta Temple complex in the Sepahijala and West Tripura districts, respectively.
Dr. Saha emphasized that Tripura’s rapid pace of development requires greater financial support, and the current limit on EAP funds is proving to be a constraint. “I have written to the Central Government and also held discussions with senior officials, requesting a revision of the EAP fund cap. Without additional resources, we risk stalling several critical development works,” he said.
Focus on Tourism and Infrastructure
The Chief Minister criticized the previous government for neglecting the state’s cultural and religious tourism potential. He said that key monuments, especially those associated with Tripura’s royal heritage, were left in disrepair. “Earlier administrations allowed important monuments and temples linked to the Maharajas to fall apart. Our government is restoring and modernizing them to attract visitors and generate local employment,” Dr. Saha added.
Highlighting tourism as a critical vehicle for both cultural preservation and economic growth, he noted that the current BJP-led government has been treating the tourism sector as an industry in the true sense. “Although tourism was declared an industry in the past, no sincere effort was made to develop it. We’re changing that,” he asserted.
International Funding Driving Progress
Dr. Saha outlined how several developmental projects are being successfully implemented with funding from international bodies such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank. “We are actively utilizing global support to enhance infrastructure and tourism potential in Tripura,” he said.
He echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision by stressing that infrastructure is the foundation of progress. “When we spend on infrastructure, it not only attracts investment but also uplifts the quality of life and livelihoods for the people,” Dr. Saha remarked.
Upgraded Road Connectivity to Religious Sites
Dr. Saha also shared updates on key infrastructure achievements. He noted that the government has recently completed a 13-kilometer road project connecting the national highway to the Kasbeshwari Temple, which was previously difficult to access. The Rs 34 crore project has drastically improved connectivity for pilgrims and tourists.
“In this year’s budget, about Rs 7,000 crore has been allocated for infrastructure development. It’s a historic move aligned with national goals and will give further momentum to our development drive,” he said.
Reviving Festivals and Religious Tourism
Tripura’s cultural and religious landscape is receiving a major facelift, as evident from renewed focus on festivals and spiritual destinations. “The Bhadra Mela at Kasbeshwari Temple and the iconic seven-day Kharchi Festival at the Fourteen Deities Temple attract lakhs of devotees. We are committed to providing world-class infrastructure at these sites,” Dr. Saha said.
Another notable project is the 51 Shakti Peeth Park in Banduar, Udaipur, whose foundation stone was laid recently. This spiritual tourism hub is expected to become a major attraction, contributing to the state’s economic and cultural vibrancy.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The foundation stone laying ceremony was attended by several key officials and dignitaries, including Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Sepahijala Zila Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Dutta, MLAs Antara Sarkar Deb and Ratan Chakraborty, Tourism Secretary Uttam Kumar Chakma, District Magistrate Dr. Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, Superintendent of Police Bijay Debbarma, and Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Prashant Badal Negi.
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Dr. Saha concluded by reaffirming his government’s commitment to holistic development through tourism, infrastructure, and enhanced central cooperation. “With stronger financial backing and a clear roadmap, Tripura can become a leading destination for religious and cultural tourism in the country,” he said.
