Agartala’s Haora Riverfront Development Project, built under the Smart City Mission at around Rs. 96 crore, transforms 1,700 metres from Steel Bridge to Dashamighat into a vibrant public space focused on river protection, recreation, beautification and improved civic amenities.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday inaugurated the Haora Riverfront Development Project in the heart of Agartala, marking a major step towards urban beautification, river protection and the creation of citizen-friendly public spaces in the state capital.
Developed under the Agartala Smart City Mission at an estimated cost of around Rs. 96 crore, the project covers approximately 1,700 metres of the Haora River stretch from Steel Bridge to Dashamighat. The newly developed riverfront has been planned as a vibrant public space with facilities aimed at providing recreational and leisure opportunities for people across different age groups.
The inauguration programme was attended by senior officials and elected representatives, while the Chief Minister and other dignitaries also visited the riverfront area at the beginning of the programme to inspect the facilities developed under the project.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Dr. Saha described the Haora River as an integral part of Agartala’s heritage, civilisation and history. He said protecting the river while developing modern civic facilities in the heart of the city was an important objective behind the riverfront project.
“The Haora River carries the heritage, civilisation and history of Agartala city. The Haora Riverfront Development Project has been developed with the objective of protecting the river and providing citizen-friendly facilities in the heart of the city,” the Chief Minister said.
According to the Chief Minister, the project has been designed keeping in mind the leisure and recreational requirements of citizens. Facilities have been developed for children, young people, families and senior citizens, creating a public space where residents can spend their leisure time in a more organised and accessible environment.
Dr. Saha said the project would contribute significantly to the beautification and transformation of Agartala. The development of the riverfront is expected to provide a renewed public environment along an important stretch of the Haora River while strengthening the connection between the city and one of its historically significant waterways.
A five-year operation and maintenance mechanism has also been incorporated into the project. Dr. Saha said the expenditure required for operation and maintenance during this period has been included within the overall project cost, with the objective of ensuring that the facilities remain properly maintained after their development.
The Chief Minister further said projects of this nature had been implemented only in a limited number of places in the country and that Agartala had now joined that group with the completion of the Haora Riverfront Development Project.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing Agartala under the Smart City Mission, stating that the project reflected the importance being given to modern urban infrastructure, improved civic amenities and the transformation of urban spaces.
Dr. Saha also recalled the condition of parts of the riverfront area in the past and said the zone had previously witnessed anti-social activities. According to him, the transformation of the area into a public-friendly space represents an important change in the use and character of the riverfront.
Apart from beautification and recreational facilities, the project also has an environmental and structural component. The Chief Minister said the development would help prevent erosion along the Haora River and strengthen both banks, thereby reducing risks associated with riverbank erosion.
He also indicated that further expansion of the riverfront could be explored in the future. Such expansion, he said, could help extend the benefits of the project and further improve the city’s riverfront environment.
The Chief Minister said the state government was continuously exploring new initiatives to improve public services and enhance the quality of life of citizens. He said urban development was being pursued alongside initiatives aimed at improving socio-economic conditions.
“Every day, the government is thinking of new ways to provide better services to the people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working not only for infrastructure development but also for the socio-economic development of the people. The Tripura government is also working in the same direction,” Dr. Saha said.
The programme also witnessed the virtual inauguration of the newly developed Airport Road under the Agartala Smart City Mission. In addition, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a marriage hall intended to provide affordable facilities to economically weaker sections residing within the Agartala Municipal Corporation area.
The additional initiatives were presented as part of the broader efforts to improve urban infrastructure and public facilities in Agartala. The development of Airport Road and the proposed marriage hall are expected to complement ongoing urban infrastructure initiatives undertaken under the Smart City framework.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder described the occasion as a historic day for the residents of Agartala. He said the Haora Riverfront Development Project marked the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s urban development.
Majumder described the Haora River as the soul of Agartala and said several initiatives were being undertaken to protect and improve the river and its surrounding areas. He added that urban management was being upgraded in accordance with changing requirements and that various measures were being implemented to meet the expectations of citizens.
The Mayor also highlighted efforts by the Agartala Municipal Corporation to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the city. He said coordinated urban planning and improved civic management were necessary to address the changing needs of a growing capital city.
With Durga Puja approaching, Majumder said different government departments and agencies were working in coordination to ensure that citizens and visitors could celebrate the festival safely and comfortably. He also assured that road repair works across Agartala would be completed before the Puja festivities.
A blood donation camp was also organised as part of the inauguration programme, adding a community-service component to the event.
The Haora Riverfront Development Project represents a significant addition to Agartala’s public infrastructure. With its approximately 1,700-metre stretch between Steel Bridge and Dashamighat, the project combines riverfront development, public recreation, environmental protection and urban beautification within the Smart City Mission framework.
The development also highlights the growing focus on creating public spaces that can be used by different sections of society. By incorporating facilities for children, senior citizens and other residents, the riverfront has been designed not only as an infrastructure project but also as a space for leisure and community interaction.
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The project’s focus on riverbank strengthening and erosion prevention also gives the development an environmental and protective dimension. Alongside these measures, the proposed possibility of extending the riverfront in the future could further expand the scope of river-oriented urban development in Agartala.
Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, MLA Meena Rani Sarkar, Chief Minister’s Secretary Kiran Gitte, Urban Development Secretary Milind Ramteke, Agartala Smart City Mission CEO G.S. Naik, Municipal Commissioner Saju Wahid and other officials were present during the programme.
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With the formal inauguration of the Haora Riverfront Development Project, Agartala has added a major new public space to its urban landscape, combining the city’s historic relationship with the Haora River with modern recreational facilities, river protection measures and improved civic infrastructure.
