Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb raised 57 Tripura-related issues in Parliament, seeking urgent national highway repairs, durable concrete roads, tourism development and faster infrastructure projects across the state.
Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb has highlighted Tripura’s infrastructure and development challenges in the Parliament, stating that he raised 57 questions concerning the state during the recently concluded session. Of these, 15 questions were formally accepted, with the deteriorating condition of national highways emerging as one of his key concerns.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Deb said the condition of several roads in Tripura had worsened following the devastating floods of 2024. He also alleged that negligence on the part of contractors and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had contributed to the continuing problems.
Deb said he had repeatedly taken up the issue with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and officials of the NHIDCL, seeking intervention to ensure that pending repairs and unfinished highway projects were completed without further delay. He stressed that road development should focus not merely on short-term repairs but on long-term durability.
As part of that approach, the MP proposed replacing conventional bitumen roads with concrete construction in suitable stretches. He cited the Udaipur–Amarpur road as a potential pilot project, arguing that although concrete roads could involve higher initial expenditure, they could provide greater durability and reduce recurring maintenance requirements over the long term.
“Initial costs may be higher, but concrete roads will serve the people for decades,” Deb said, emphasizing the need for sustainable infrastructure investment in Tripura.
The MP also presented details of development expenditure made through the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). According to Deb, Rs 15.76 crore from MPLADS funds had been spent on various development projects across Tripura during his tenure in both Houses of Parliament. In addition, 24 beneficiaries from the state received a total of Rs 56.90 lakh in assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund under his quota.
Tourism development was another major area highlighted by Deb. He outlined proposals involving projects worth Rs 30 crore for Daityeshwari Kalibari, Belonia, and Jolaibari, while a separate proposal worth Rs 140 crore has been put forward for Majlishpur in Jirania. He said strengthening tourism infrastructure could create employment opportunities while contributing to the state’s economic growth.
Deb also called for a comprehensive development strategy for Unakoti, one of Tripura’s most significant heritage destinations. He argued that efforts should extend beyond the restoration of rock sculptures and include boundary walls, cafeterias, sanitation facilities, better connectivity and conservation infrastructure. Such improvements, he said, could help transform Unakoti into a world-class tourist destination.
Beyond roads and tourism, Deb said his parliamentary interventions covered a wide range of issues, including railway connectivity, education, fertilizers, natural gas, mineral resources and fisheries. He maintained that coordination between the Centre and the Tripura government would be essential for speeding up the implementation of pending projects.
The MP also referred to bills passed during the parliamentary session, including the amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), while reiterating his commitment to raising issues affecting Tripura at the national level.
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With highway repairs, connectivity and tourism infrastructure continuing to remain major development priorities for the state, Deb’s latest parliamentary interventions have brought renewed attention to Tripura’s infrastructure requirements. The focus now shifts to how quickly the Centre, state authorities and implementing agencies can translate the proposed measures into completed projects and deliver more durable connectivity and development opportunities for the people of Tripura.
