Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, seeking central support for new tourism projects. The Centre assured cooperation to boost Tripura’s tourism sector, focusing on infrastructure, heritage, and eco-tourism development.
Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Wednesday held an important meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, highlighting the north-eastern state’s tourism potential and pressing for central assistance to accelerate upcoming projects.
Chowdhury, who also handles the Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, and Transport portfolios in the state government, discussed in detail the progress of ongoing tourism initiatives and presented a roadmap for future projects. He was accompanied by the Tourism Secretary and the Director of the department during the meeting.
Request for Central Assistance
During his discussion with Sitharaman, the Minister underscored that Tripura’s tourism sector is undergoing rapid transformation under the leadership of the state government. However, he emphasized the need for robust central support to carry forward several new projects aimed at making Tripura a prominent tourism hub in the Northeast.
“I informed the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister about the ongoing activities and future plans of the Tourism Department. I sought her help to move forward with some of the new projects,” Chowdhury stated in a message after the meeting.
He added that Sitharaman responded positively and assured all possible cooperation from the Centre to boost tourism development in the state.
Tripura’s Tourism Push
Over the last few years, Tripura has been positioning itself as a unique destination for cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual tourism. From the historic Ujjayanta Palace and the iconic Neermahal to the revered Maa Tripurasundari temple and diverse eco-tourism sites, the state offers a blend of history, spirituality, and natural attractions.
The state government has been investing in infrastructure improvements, including road connectivity to tourist hotspots, modern amenities, and eco-friendly facilities to attract both domestic and international travelers.
Projects such as developing tourism circuits, upgrading heritage sites, and promoting homestays have been prioritized to generate employment and bring sustainable economic benefits to local communities.
Cooperation from the Centre
The assurance from the Union Finance Minister is expected to provide a much-needed boost to Tripura’s efforts. Central funding and policy support could help in fast-tracking the development of tourism-related infrastructure, which is often resource-intensive for small states like Tripura.
Sitharaman also acknowledged the importance of northeastern states in India’s broader tourism vision. On her official social media handle, she confirmed the meeting, stating: “Met Shri Sushanta Chowdhury, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport and Tourism – Govt of Tripura.”
Broader Significance
The meeting holds strategic importance, as the tourism sector in Tripura is not only a cultural and economic driver but also a vehicle for national integration by bringing the Northeast closer to mainstream tourism circuits. Strengthening this sector could lead to greater investments, more job opportunities, and enhanced global visibility for the state.
With eco-tourism gaining momentum worldwide, Tripura’s rich biodiversity and green landscapes could also attract nature enthusiasts if supported with proper infrastructure. In addition, cultural festivals, handicrafts, and culinary tourism are areas where Tripura can make a strong mark with central assistance.
Looking Ahead
The state government’s proactive approach, combined with assurances from the Centre, has raised expectations that the upcoming tourism projects will be expedited. These include proposals for modernizing existing facilities, developing unexplored destinations, and promoting digital platforms for tourism marketing.
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Chowdhury expressed optimism after his meeting, reiterating that the cooperation of the Union government would be instrumental in translating the state’s tourism vision into reality. “The Hon’ble Finance Minister assured complete cooperation for the development of Tripura’s tourism sector,” he noted.
As Tripura looks to strengthen its position on India’s tourism map, such collaborations between the state and the Centre are expected to pave the way for a brighter future for the sector.
