Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers in New Delhi on Thursday, marking an important step in advancing Tripura’s development under the new Modi-led government.
During his interactions with the Prime Minister and other ministers, Dr. Saha placed several proposals aimed at boosting international connectivity and trade for Tripura. In his discussion with the Prime Minister, Dr. Saha proposed a new international rail link from Belonia in Tripura to Feni in Bangladesh and highlighted the need for enhanced Indo-Bangladesh connectivity via the Maitri Bridge. He also sought an international tag for Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, the conversion of single rail lines to double-line tracks, and the inclusion of the Sabroom-Ramgarh-Chittagong and Sabroom-Ramgarh-Mongla routes as protocol routes for transit and trans-shipment. Additionally, Dr. Saha proposed the establishment of an Agar International Trade and Research Centre in Agartala.
Dr. Saha also discussed the construction of 15 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools and addressed pending negotiations with the Department of Economic Affairs for World Bank assistance. Other critical issues included the removal of embargoes on the export of value-added products to Bangladesh and pending matters with the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI). The Chief Minister also requested the purchase of gas from GAIL at a lower price and an increase in grants from the Central Finance Commission.
In his meeting with the Prime Minister at the new parliament building, Dr. Saha conveyed his greetings for Modi’s third consecutive term as the country’s Pradhan Sevak and discussed various state development issues aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Dr. Saha also met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at his official residence in Delhi. During this meeting, he requested the transfer of GREF land to the state and proposed the establishment of Sainik Schools at Assam Rifles land in Teliamura and Udaipur.
In his discussions with the Home Minister, Dr. Saha proposed sanctioning two more Indian Reserve (IR) battalions for Tripura and requested the release of funds under Security Related Expenditure. He also sought funds for purchasing various items for seizures, sampling storage, and the disposal of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NDPS).
Dr. Saha also called on Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda, proposing the establishment of an AIIMS-like institute and a Medical College at Kulai in Dhalai District. He further sought a one-time special grant to ensure uninterrupted National Ambulance Services and the extension of the Regional Geriatric Centre Project.
During his visit to Delhi, the Chief Minister also met with the Governor of Tripura, Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, and Padma Shri Chitta Maharaj of Shantikali Ashram at Tripura Bhavan. These meetings reflect Dr. Saha’s commitment to addressing key issues and driving the development agenda for Tripura in alignment with the broader national vision.
