Tripura CM Manik Saha credits PM Modi’s ‘Act East Policy’ for record development in the Northeast. He announced a Rs 97.70 crore 51-Shakti Peethas Park project, aimed at boosting tourism and spiritual heritage, backed by ADB funding and Union support for infrastructure and employment growth.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Sunday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Act East Policy’ for ushering in a wave of “record and unprecedented development” across the northeastern region of India. The CM made these remarks after laying the foundation stone and participating in the Bhumi Pujan ceremony of the ambitious 51-Shakti Peethas Park project at Banduar in South Tripura.
Accompanied by Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Tourism and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, and other senior leaders, Dr. Saha laid the foundation of the Rs 97.70 crore mega tourism project, which is expected to significantly enhance Tripura’s spiritual tourism landscape and economic prospects.
The upcoming park will be spread across 15 acres and will feature an array of attractions, including replicas of 51 Shakti Peethas from across the Indian subcontinent. These sacred shrines span multiple countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The site will also boast a digital museum, a sky bridge, an amphitheatre, a tall statue of Nataraj, and modern amenities such as spacious vehicle parking.
Highlighting the economic and cultural importance of the project, the Chief Minister emphasized that Prime Minister Modi’s thrust on tourism development is part of a larger vision to boost the sector, which currently contributes around 7 percent to India’s GDP. “With the help of the Union Ministry of Tourism and financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), tourism infrastructure in Tripura is being modernized and diversified,” Saha said.
He revealed that a total loan of Rs 179 crore has been secured from the ADB, facilitating the development of various tourism sites across the state. This massive infrastructure push is expected to generate numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
In a significant announcement, CM Saha also disclosed that the state government would soon appoint 6,000 Special Executives across multiple sectors. Additionally, specialized tourist police units will be deployed at key tourist destinations to ensure safety and convenience for visitors. “These initiatives will not only boost confidence among travelers but will also create a positive and secure atmosphere that encourages repeat tourism,” he added.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s comprehensive vision for infrastructural advancement, Saha said, “PM Modi has presented us with the HIRA model—Highways, Internet, Railways, and Airways. It is through this integrated model that we are seeing transformational changes across Tripura.”
According to the CM, since January 2025 alone, he has either inaugurated or laid the foundation for various infrastructure projects amounting to over Rs 771 crore. This includes developments in healthcare, education, connectivity, and industrial sectors. “Such rapid and inclusive development is a testament to the far-reaching impacts of the Act East Policy, which seeks to make Northeast India a gateway to Southeast Asia,” he said.
Tripura currently ranks second among northeastern states in both Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and per capita income, reflecting the success of the development strategy pursued under the Modi-led administration. The Chief Minister urged citizens and stakeholders to work collectively to harness local resources and accelerate growth in all sectors.
Tourism and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiments and stressed that the 51-Shakti Peethas Park would serve as a major religious and cultural attraction. “This park is not just a tribute to India’s rich spiritual heritage but also a catalyst for regional economic transformation,” he said.
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The foundation ceremony was marked by traditional rituals and was attended by a large number of locals, religious leaders, and government officials. Once completed, the park is expected to become a landmark religious tourism destination, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country and abroad.
As Tripura continues to embrace infrastructural and socio-economic transformation, the Shakti Peethas Park stands as a symbol of faith, unity, and forward-looking development under the aegis of the ‘Act East Policy’.
