Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel in Agartala, marking a major boost for Tripura tourism infrastructure. The heritage luxury hotel project by IHCL aims to attract domestic and international tourists, generate employment, preserve royal heritage, and strengthen hospitality investment.
In a step towards strengthening Tripura’s tourism infrastructure and positioning the state as a premier heritage tourism destination, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday laid the foundation stone for the proposed Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel at the historic Pushpabanta Palace complex in Agartala.
The ambitious heritage hospitality project, which will be developed by the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the hospitality arm of the Tata Group that operates the renowned Taj brand, is expected to transform one of Tripura’s most iconic royal landmarks into a world-class heritage hotel. The initiative is being viewed as a major milestone in the state government’s long-term strategy to promote sustainable tourism, attract private investment, and create employment opportunities.
The foundation-laying ceremony took place at the historic palace premises in the Kunjaban area of Agartala and was attended by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, senior government officials, and representatives from the hospitality industry.
During the ceremony, Amit Shah participated in a traditional ground-breaking ritual and formally unveiled the plaque commemorating the commencement of the project. Officials from IHCL and the state government were also present during the event, underscoring the importance of the initiative for Tripura’s economic and tourism development.
According to officials, the Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel will offer high-end hospitality facilities designed to cater to both domestic and international tourists. The hotel will be established within the premises of the erstwhile royal palace, preserving its historical significance while integrating modern hospitality standards.
A detailed presentation showcasing the proposed hotel infrastructure and amenities was screened during the programme. As per the project plan, the heritage hotel will feature 89 standard rooms, six executive rooms, five executive suites, and one presidential villa. The luxurious accommodation facilities are expected to provide visitors with a unique blend of royal heritage and contemporary comfort.
In addition to guest rooms, the project will include a banquet block, a grand ballroom, meeting and conference halls, restaurants, a swimming pool, and several other premium facilities. These amenities are expected to support tourism-related activities, corporate events, conferences, and cultural programmes, thereby enhancing Tripura’s hospitality ecosystem.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha felicitated Union Home Minister Amit Shah by presenting him with a replica of the revered Tripurasundari Temple, one of the most important religious and cultural symbols of Tripura. IHCL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Puneet Chhatwal also greeted the Union Minister during the programme.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha stated that the foundation stone ceremony marked a historic milestone in Tripura’s journey towards becoming a leading heritage tourism destination.
In a social media statement, the Chief Minister said that the historic Pushpabanta Palace, a symbol of Tripura’s rich royal legacy, would be transformed into a world-class heritage hospitality centre through IHCL. He expressed confidence that the Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel would showcase Tripura’s culture, history, and natural beauty to a global audience and significantly strengthen the state’s tourism sector.
Tourism and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury also emphasized the importance of the project, stating that the state government has undertaken several major initiatives to make Tripura more attractive to visitors from across India and abroad. He noted that the transformation of the iconic Pushpabanta Palace into a premier heritage hospitality destination would help place Tripura prominently on the international tourism map.
The Pushpabanta Palace occupies a special place in Tripura’s history. Built by Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya, the sprawling palace is regarded as one of the state’s most significant heritage structures. Historical records indicate that Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore stayed at the palace during his visits to Tripura, adding further cultural and historical value to the landmark.
Over the years, the palace also served as the Raj Bhavan before the establishment of the present Lok Bhavan. The proposed heritage hotel project seeks to preserve the architectural legacy of the palace while giving it a new role as a luxury hospitality destination.
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Officials believe that the Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel will not only attract more tourists but also generate direct and indirect employment opportunities, encourage private sector participation, and contribute to the overall economic growth of Tripura. By combining heritage conservation with modern tourism infrastructure, the project is expected to become a flagship destination showcasing the unique cultural identity and royal legacy of the northeastern state.
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With the foundation stone now laid, the Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel project marks the beginning of a new chapter in Tripura’s tourism development journey, reinforcing the state’s vision of emerging as a leading heritage and hospitality destination in Northeast India.
