Biplab Deb urges the Centre for additional funds to expedite Agartala’s Light House Project. Aiming to house 1,000 families using earthquake-resistant technology, the project is in its final stages and needs urgent financial support for timely completion.
Member of Parliament and former Chief Minister of Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, has urged the central government to allocate additional funds to expedite the completion of the Agartala Light House Project (LHP), a pioneering urban housing initiative under the Global Housing Technology Challenge-India (GHTC-India).
Deb met with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss the status and ongoing work related to the Light House Project in Tripura’s capital. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of releasing additional budgetary support to ensure the timely delivery of the project, which aims to provide modern, earthquake-resistant housing to the urban poor.
Taking to social media following his meeting, Deb highlighted the significance of the Agartala LHP, stating, “This project, one of only six Lighthouse Projects across India, will provide housing to 1,000 families in the state.” He added that early completion of the project would not only improve the standard of living for many families but also serve as a model for affordable and resilient urban housing in seismically active regions.
The Light House Projects are part of a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2021. These projects aim to showcase the use of innovative construction technologies that are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. The Agartala LHP is being constructed using New Zealand’s steel frame technology, which provides enhanced safety against earthquakes—a critical consideration in northeast India’s seismic zone.
The Agartala LHP has reached an advanced stage of construction. Once completed, it will consist of 1,000 dwelling units equipped with modern amenities. Each residential unit is designed to provide a dignified and safe living environment for families that currently live in vulnerable or substandard conditions.
Deb has been closely monitoring the progress of the project and continues to champion infrastructure development in his home state. His appeal for additional financial assistance reflects growing concerns that delays in funding could hinder the timely delivery of the housing units.
Sources within the ministry indicated that the Agartala LHP has already benefited from significant central government support under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U). However, rising material costs and logistical challenges have necessitated a review of funding needs to ensure the project meets its deadlines without compromising on quality.
Speaking on the broader vision of the LHPs, an official from the Union Ministry stated, “These six Light House Projects across India, including Agartala, are intended to act as live laboratories for testing new housing technologies. The idea is to create a learning platform that can be replicated in other cities facing housing shortages.”
In addition to Agartala, other cities selected for Lighthouse Projects include Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Rajkot (Gujarat), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Ranchi (Jharkhand), and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh). Each project uses a unique construction technology sourced from countries like Canada, Germany, and New Zealand, with the aim of transforming the urban housing landscape in India.
For Tripura, successful completion of the LHP in Agartala holds special significance. Not only will it address urban housing shortages, but it also aligns with the state’s goal of strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure and improving overall urban planning.
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As the project nears its final stages, Deb’s intervention is expected to bring renewed momentum and political attention. His proactive approach underscores the vital role that elected representatives can play in ensuring the timely execution of central projects at the state level.
