Airtel will set up its first Data Centre in Eastern India at Tripura, announced CM Dr. Manik Saha on Engineers’ Day. He emphasized engineers’ role in nation building, digital governance, infrastructure growth, and Tripura’s roadmap for Viksit Tripura 2047.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday announced that telecom major Airtel will set up its first Data Centre in the Eastern Zone in the state. The announcement was made during the Engineers’ Day celebration at Prajna Bhavan, Agartala, where Dr. Saha addressed the engineering fraternity and emphasized their pivotal role in nation building.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Data Centre would not only strengthen the IT ecosystem in Tripura but also position the state as an important hub for digital infrastructure in eastern India. Land has already been allocated for the project, marking a major milestone in the state’s ambition to enhance connectivity and attract investments in the technology sector.
Engineers as the Backbone of Development
Extending greetings on the occasion of Engineers’ Day, Dr. Saha paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. M. Visvesvaraya, whose contributions have inspired generations of engineers across the nation. He underlined that engineers are the true backbone of development, contributing across multiple sectors — from roads and bridges to healthcare and digital innovation.
“Without engineers, it is not possible to move forward in any situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly called for building Viksit Bharat 2047, and in line with that vision, Tripura has started its own roadmap for Viksit Tripura 2047. At present, Tripura ranks fifth in the country in this regard,” Dr. Saha stated.
He stressed that engineers play a central role in executing infrastructure projects, which form the foundation of growth. “In this year’s budget, about Rs. 7,000 crore has been allocated for infrastructure development. From designing buildings to constructing bridges and roads, engineers are indispensable for transforming the state,” he added.
Technology and Accuracy in Governance
Dr. Saha also highlighted the growing importance of technological innovation and accuracy in project implementation. With digital governance initiatives expanding, engineers are taking on new responsibilities in ensuring efficiency and transparency.
“Using engineering techniques, e-offices have been launched across the state — from the cabinet level to districts, sub-divisions, blocks, and even three-tier panchayats. These steps have enhanced service delivery and reduced paperwork. Engineers must now ensure even higher levels of accountability and precision,” he said.
Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The Chief Minister emphasized the entrepreneurial spirit within the state, noting that Tripura has about 2.1 lakh entrepreneurs under MSMEs. He added that the upcoming Airtel Data Centre would not only improve digital infrastructure but also support entrepreneurship and new-age industries.
“With the Data Centre, the IT sector in Tripura will see significant growth. In addition, the use of drones and artificial intelligence in healthcare can further strengthen service delivery in remote areas. Engineers must innovate and find ways to utilize local resources for enhancing the lives of common people. This will help improve both per capita income and the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP),” Dr. Saha remarked.
Commitment to Progress
Calling on engineers to dedicate themselves to precision, innovation, and public service, Dr. Saha said the state’s future rests on their commitment to excellence. “On Engineer’s Day, let us pledge to make Tripura a developed state by harnessing our own resources and by ensuring sustainable infrastructure development,” he concluded.
The event was graced by several dignitaries including Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, NIT Director Prof. Sharat Kumar Patra, PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte, Rural Development Department Secretary Abhishek Singh, Institute of Engineers Chairman Parmananda Sarkar Banerjee, and PWD Chief Engineer Rajib Debbarma. Representatives of various engineering organizations also participated in the celebration, showcasing the unity and vision of the engineering community in Tripura.
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With Airtel’s Data Centre set to become operational in the near future, the state is gearing up for a new chapter in digital growth and infrastructure development. The project is expected to not only provide employment but also attract new investments, propelling Tripura into a leadership position in eastern India’s digital economy.
