Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury urges rapid completion of the NH-8 four-lane expansion, stressing its importance for enhancing connectivity, boosting economic growth, resolving land issues, and delivering modern, safe road infrastructure crucial for the state’s development.
Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has reaffirmed the Tripura government’s strong commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the Assam–Agartala National Highway (NH-8) expansion project, stating that modern, safe, and reliable road infrastructure is essential for boosting connectivity, economic growth, and long-term development across the state.
The minister chaired a high-level review meeting at the State Secretariat on Monday to evaluate the present status, challenges, and overall progress of the ambitious four-lane expansion work on NH-8. The stretch under review extends from the Ranirbazar Fire Station in the Majlishpur constituency to the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Madhabbari, a vital transit corridor for both commuters and goods transportation.
Senior officials, including Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary Kiran Gitte, senior architects and engineers from the National Highway division, and representatives from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), participated in the meeting. These stakeholders presented detailed briefs on the project’s technical components, areas of concern, and proposed solutions to ensure the highway construction remains on track.
Land Issues Highlighted as a Key Challenge
According to officials, land-related complications have emerged as one of the major obstacles hampering the pace of the expansion work. The minister was briefed on specific bottlenecks, including pending land acquisition in certain pockets, disputes over compensation, and difficulties in shifting public utilities such as electric poles and water pipelines.
Minister Sushanta Chowdhury emphasized that these issues must be identified, examined, and resolved on a priority basis to avoid further delay. He instructed district-level authorities and technical teams to work in coordination with local stakeholders, including landowners, to expedite formalities and clear the path for uninterrupted construction.
He noted that while engineering, resource management, and weather conditions often influence project progress, administrative hurdles like land disputes must be handled efficiently to ensure smooth execution. “Our goal is to eliminate every obstacle that slows down this crucial connectivity project. Delay is not an option,” he reportedly told the officials.
A Push for Speed, Safety, and Strategic Development
Chowdhury reiterated that a well-designed and safe highway system is vital for Tripura’s long-term growth plans. With the state aiming to improve transit links with the rest of the Northeast, enhanced access to border trade points, and stronger economic connectivity with neighboring regions, the NH-8 expansion holds strategic significance.
The Assam–Agartala National Highway serves as Tripura’s primary lifeline, transporting essential goods, agricultural produce, and industrial materials. Modernizing this route into a four-lane corridor is expected to dramatically reduce travel time, improve road safety, support emergency transportation, and boost both tourism and trade.
He stressed that improved highways are not just about transport convenience but also about building the foundation for industrial development, logistics expansion, and employment generation. Better road networks help attract investment, streamline freight movement, and promote market access for farmers and small businesses.
The minister also pointed out that a robust and safe road infrastructure can significantly reduce the frequency of road accidents, which often stem from narrow lanes, congested traffic, and inadequate lighting. The upgraded NH-8, with improved engineering and safety standards, will help create safer travel conditions for thousands of daily commuters.
Government’s Commitment to Efficient Execution
During the meeting, Chowdhury reviewed the construction schedule, contractor performance, and weekly progress targets. He directed NHIDCL and PWD officials to accelerate the construction pace, particularly in segments where work has slowed due to technical or local challenges.
He emphasized that the government is fully committed to providing administrative support, clearing bottlenecks, and ensuring accountability at all levels. “Timely completion of NH-8 expansion is not just a departmental responsibility—it is a commitment to the people of Tripura,” he said.
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The minister concluded by stating that the government’s foremost goal is to deliver modern, efficient, and reliable road infrastructure that aligns with the state’s development vision. He expressed confidence that with coordinated efforts, improved planning, and strong monitoring, the NH-8 four-lane project will be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
