Modi government invested nearly Rs 6 lakh crore in Northeast over 12 years, says Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlighting infrastructure growth, tourism expansion, bamboo projects, and employment generation through the Rs 450-crore Matabari Tourism Circuit in Tripura.
Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday said that the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invested nearly Rs 6 lakh crore in the Northeast over the past 12 years, transforming the region into a major growth engine of the Indian economy.
Addressing a foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Rs 450-crore Matabari Tourism Circuit in Tripura, Scindia said that infrastructure development across all sectors in the eight northeastern states has witnessed unprecedented momentum since Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister in 2014. He highlighted that the region, once perceived as a remote frontier, is now emerging as a strategic hub for connectivity, tourism, industry, and sustainable development.
The ceremony was held at Narkel Kunj, a scenic tourist destination located on the banks of the sprawling Dumboor Lake in Tripura’s Gomati district. Chief Minister Manik Saha joined the programme virtually, while senior officials from the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the state government were present at the venue.
Scindia said that the Matabari Tourism Circuit is expected to provide a significant boost to Tripura’s economy by creating 4,000 to 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, with nearly 30 per cent participation by women. He added that self-help group (SHG) members and local youth would be actively involved in tourism-related activities, ensuring inclusive growth and grassroots participation.
“With the foundation stone of the Matabari Tourism Circuit, development projects worth Rs 750 crore have been announced for Tripura during my three-day visit,” the Union Minister said. The project includes the construction of floating jetties, eco-friendly resorts, modern tourist infrastructure, and immersive cultural experiences aimed at giving the Dumboor region a distinct international tourism identity.
Emphasising human resource development, Scindia said that tour guides and hospitality workers would be trained at premier institutions to enhance service quality and global competitiveness. He noted that under the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Developed Northeast’, ‘Local to Global’, and the Act East Policy, Tripura is being positioned as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
The Union Minister praised Chief Minister Manik Saha’s leadership, stating that strong coordination between the Centre and the state government has enabled Tripura to achieve rapid development across infrastructure, tourism, and renewable energy sectors.
Scindia also announced that 22 projects have been approved to promote engineered bamboo in the Northeast. Describing bamboo as “Green Gold,” he said the initiative aims to strengthen the regional economy while promoting environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient development models.
Dumboor Lake, spread across approximately 41 square kilometres and dotted with 48 picturesque islets, is surrounded by lush green hills and offers immense potential for eco-tourism and water-based activities. The Matabari Tourism Circuit is designed as a four-day itinerary, covering key heritage and cultural destinations such as Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala, Neermahal (the water palace) in Sepahijala district, the revered Mata Tripura Sundari Temple, the ancient rock carvings of Chabimura, and Narkel Kunj on Dumboor Lake.
Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said the circuit would play a pivotal role in placing Tripura prominently on the global tourism map. He added that extensive beautification and infrastructure development works are underway at Neermahal, Sepahijala, Udaipur, Chabimura, and Dumboor to enhance visitor experience.
Chowdhury, who also holds the Transport, Food, and Civil Supplies portfolios, said that work on the tourism projects would commence shortly and be completed within a stipulated timeframe, generating new employment opportunities and strengthening the state’s economic foundation.
Earlier in the day, Scindia laid the foundation stone for an Rs 80-crore Agarwood Cluster Processing Centre at Uttar Fulbari village in North Tripura district. He said the initiative would promote local industries globally and aligns with the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) policies.
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On the first day of his visit, the Union Minister virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for eight major development projects worth Rs 365 crore, including an Rs 81-crore solar microgrid project, reinforcing the government’s focus on renewable energy and sustainable growth.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Ashtalakshmi’ vision, Scindia said, the Northeast has evolved from being geographically isolated to becoming a central pillar of India’s economic and strategic growth.
