Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury reviews ADB-funded tourism projects in Kailashahar, stressing sustainable development, infrastructure upgrades and job creation. Rs 70 crore eco-tourism initiatives aim to place Tripura on the global tourism map.
Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Friday underscored the importance of leveraging Tripura’s rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources to build a robust and sustainable tourism ecosystem that can generate employment and boost the state’s economy.
During an official visit to Sonamukhi in Kailashahar, the Minister conducted a detailed inspection of ongoing tourism infrastructure projects being developed with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The projects are being implemented under the supervision of the state Tourism Department with the objective of positioning Tripura as a prominent tourism destination at the national and international levels.
Interacting with officials and representatives of the executing agencies, Chowdhury stressed the need for timely completion of construction while ensuring strict adherence to quality standards. He made it clear that delays or compromise in workmanship would not be tolerated, as these projects are critical to the long-term tourism vision of the state.
The flagship tourism project at Sonamukhi involves an investment of approximately Rs 70 crore and spans nearly 40 acres of land. The ambitious initiative includes the development of an adventure park, eco-friendly accommodation facilities comprising standard, suite and deluxe cottages, an administrative building, residential quarters for managers and staff, a modern banquet hall, and boundary fencing. According to the Minister, nearly 40 percent of the construction work has already been completed.
In addition to the Sonamukhi project, a separate tourist lodge is under construction in Kailashahar town. Chowdhury informed the media that both projects are progressing steadily and are expected to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister in the coming months, marking a significant milestone in Tripura’s tourism development roadmap.
“The Tourism Department is moving forward with a clear and structured vision. Within the next one to one-and-a-half years, all ongoing tourism projects will be opened for public use. This will firmly place Tripura on the global tourism map,” the Minister said.
As part of his visit, Chowdhury also reviewed renovation works at the Unakoti Tourist Lodge, one of the state’s most important tourist facilities. The lodge is undergoing extensive modernization to replace outdated infrastructure with contemporary amenities designed to meet the expectations of modern travelers.
The upgraded Unakoti Tourist Lodge will feature suite, deluxe and standard rooms with attached toilets, a 30-seat restaurant, a modular kitchen, a 50-seat conference hall, reception area, gymnasium, indoor games facilities, separate washrooms for men and women, and dedicated residential quarters for managers and staff.
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The Minister was accompanied by Tourism Secretary U K Chakma, the Director of Tourism, former MLA Mobashwar Ali, and officials from the construction agency. After reviewing the progress, Chowdhury expressed confidence that the renovated lodge would soon emerge as a major attraction for domestic and international tourists visiting the Unakoti region.
Highlighting the broader vision of the Tourism Department, Chowdhury said that modern infrastructure, innovative tourism projects and community participation would help transform Tripura’s image as a destination known for cultural richness, scenic beauty and sustainable livelihoods for local residents.
