TRLM is transforming North Tripura’s old jail into JURI HAAT, an Integrated Marketing Centre promoting women SHGs, rural entrepreneurship, tourism, local products, and economic empowerment. The project is over 90 percent complete and expected to open soon.
In a step towards promoting rural entrepreneurship, women-led businesses, and tourism, the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has undertaken an ambitious initiative to transform the abandoned old jail complex in North Tripura into a vibrant Integrated Marketing Centre named “JURI HAAT.” The redevelopment project aims to create a permanent marketplace for products manufactured by women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural entrepreneurs while giving a fresh identity to one of the district’s historically significant sites.
According to officials associated with the project, the old jail premises are being converted into a modern commercial and cultural destination that will serve as a hub for local businesses and visitors alike. The initiative is expected to strengthen rural livelihoods by connecting local producers directly with consumers through a professionally managed marketing platform.
The Integrated Marketing Centre has been designed as a multi-purpose facility that will combine shopping, dining, and cultural experiences under one roof. The project includes dedicated marketing outlets for SHG products, a coffee house, a restaurant, exhibition spaces for handmade and locally sourced products, and sections showcasing the district’s traditional craftsmanship and indigenous goods.
Officials believe the initiative will significantly improve market access for women entrepreneurs who have been producing a wide range of handicrafts, food products, textiles, and other locally manufactured items under various rural development programmes. By offering a permanent retail platform, the centre is expected to increase product visibility, improve sales opportunities, and generate sustainable income for rural families.
The redevelopment work at the old jail campus has already reached an advanced stage. Authorities confirmed that renovation and infrastructure development are more than 90 percent complete, with final finishing work currently underway. Once completed, JURI HAAT is expected to be inaugurated shortly and opened to the public.
Beyond its commercial significance, the project has also been envisioned as a community space where visitors can experience North Tripura’s unique culture, traditional cuisine, and local craftsmanship. The combination of retail outlets, food facilities, and cultural displays is expected to attract both local residents and tourists, creating a new destination that reflects the district’s rich heritage while supporting economic development.
The initiative aligns with TRLM’s broader objective of strengthening rural livelihoods by empowering women Self-Help Groups and encouraging micro-enterprises across Tripura. The establishment of JURI HAAT is expected to bridge the gap between rural producers and urban consumers while creating additional employment opportunities for local communities.
Experts believe the project could become a model for adaptive reuse of abandoned government infrastructure by converting an unused public property into a productive economic and tourism asset. The transformation of the former jail into a lively marketplace symbolizes a shift from an abandoned institution to a centre of opportunity, innovation, and community engagement.
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Once operational, JURI HAAT is expected to emerge as one of North Tripura’s prominent attractions, offering visitors an opportunity to shop for authentic local products, enjoy regional cuisine, and experience the district’s vibrant rural culture. At the same time, it will play a vital role in strengthening women’s economic empowerment and expanding market opportunities for rural entrepreneurs across the region.
