West Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb met Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to seek faster implementation of tourism infrastructure projects, heritage conservation, Unakoti development, temple tourism, ASI Circle Office, and PRASAD scheme funding, aiming to boost Tripura’s cultural and religious tourism.
West Tripura Member of Parliament and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Thursday met Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and held extensive discussions on a series of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating tourism development, preserving historical heritage, and strengthening cultural and religious tourism across Tripura.
The meeting focused on enhancing the state’s tourism infrastructure while safeguarding its rich archaeological, cultural, and spiritual legacy through coordinated efforts between the Centre and the state.
During the discussions, Deb requested the Union Minister to expedite the implementation of proposed tourism infrastructure projects surrounding three prominent historical temples in South Tripura—Jogmaya Kalibari in Belonia, Rajrajeswari Kalibari in Muhuripur, and Daityeswari Kalibari in Sabroom. He emphasized that the development of modern tourist facilities around these temples would significantly enhance their appeal as major religious tourism destinations and attract visitors from across the country.
The West Tripura MP also highlighted the immense tourism potential of the internationally acclaimed Unakoti archaeological site, known for its ancient rock-cut sculptures and historical significance. He urged the Ministry of Tourism to develop Unakoti into a world-class tourist destination by creating modern visitor amenities, improving tourism infrastructure, and integrating the heritage site into national tourism circuits.
To improve accessibility to the heritage destination, Deb sought the Centre’s support for upgrading the one-kilometre stretch connecting National Highway-208 to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected Unakoti site into a four-lane road. He noted that better road connectivity would ensure safer and more convenient travel for tourists while supporting the expected increase in visitor footfall.
Another key issue raised during the meeting was the establishment of an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Circle Office in Tripura, a long-standing demand of the state. According to Deb, the creation of an ASI Circle Office would significantly strengthen the conservation, restoration, documentation, and maintenance of Tripura’s numerous archaeological monuments and historical sites, enabling more effective heritage management.
The MP also requested the early approval and release of additional financial assistance for the ongoing development of the Mata Tripurasundari Temple at Udaipur under the Central Government’s PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme. He stressed that timely completion of the project would improve facilities for pilgrims and further establish the temple as one of the country’s prominent spiritual tourism destinations.
The discussions reflected a shared commitment to promoting tourism-led economic growth in Tripura through improved infrastructure, enhanced heritage conservation, and sustainable development of religious and cultural destinations. Deb expressed confidence that the proposed initiatives, once implemented, would create new employment opportunities, strengthen local businesses, and significantly increase tourist arrivals to the northeastern state.
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The meeting underscored the Centre’s continued engagement with Tripura’s tourism sector, with a focus on preserving its historical treasures while unlocking the state’s vast potential as a leading destination for cultural, archaeological, and religious tourism.
