In a bid to position Tripura as a prominent national and international tourist destination, the Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, unveiled a comprehensive plan involving an investment of Rs. 1000 crore. The announcement was made during the 8th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held at the Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
The tourism promotion plan outlined by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha encompasses various key areas. One significant aspect involves enhancing last-mile connectivity, ensuring easy accessibility for tourists. Additionally, the plan entails the creation of improved accommodation facilities to cater to the growing number of visitors. Simultaneously, there will be a strong focus on developing infrastructure in popular tourist destinations throughout the state.
Furthermore, to boost the potential of Tripura as a center for wellness tourism, the state government is set to launch the “Tripura Medical Tourism Policy.” This policy will provide incentives for the establishment of ayurvedic parks, panchakarma centers, yoga and wellness retreats, and naturopathy centers. These initiatives aim to leverage Tripura’s natural resources and cultural heritage to attract both domestic and international tourists seeking wellness-related experiences.
In his address to the Governing Council meeting, Chief Minister Dr. Saha highlighted the government’s commitment to the industrial sector’s growth and development. As part of this vision, over 2000 acres of land have been identified for industrial development, public-private partnership projects, special economic zone projects, and sector-specific initiatives in rubber, agar, bamboo, and food processing.
Acknowledging the significance of funding, the Chief Minister announced that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to extend a loan to the State Government for upgrading 15 industrial estates. This financial support will play a crucial role in enhancing the state’s industrial infrastructure and creating favorable conditions for economic growth.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the government’s focus on capital expenditure, noting a substantial increase from Rs. 835 crore in the fiscal year 2020-21 to Rs. 2200 crore in the financial year 2022-23, representing a remarkable annual growth rate of approximately 62 percent. Additionally, several projects with a total worth of Rs. 109.19 crore have been identified and forwarded to the relevant ministry for the promotion of industry and internal trade. Out of these, four projects worth Rs. 35 crore have already received sanction from the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
In closing, Chief Minister Dr. Saha expressed confidence in Tripura’s development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted the government’s initiatives in skill development, health and nutrition, women empowerment, infrastructure, MSMEs, and various other sectors, further reiterating his belief that Tripura is poised to emerge as a developed state in the near future.
The ambitious investment and comprehensive plans unveiled by the Tripura government indicate a strong commitment to transforming the state’s tourism sector and promoting industrial growth. These initiatives are expected to create new opportunities, generate employment, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region.
