Tripura Signs Landmark Lease Agreement with Taj Group to Convert Pushpabanta Palace into 5-Star Heritage Hotel
Tourism in State to Get a Major Boost; IHCL to Develop 100-Room Luxury Hotel on 7.78 Acres
In a historic move poised to redefine Tripura’s tourism landscape, the Government of Tripura has signed a lease agreement with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a part of the prestigious Taj Group, to convert the century-old Pushpabanta Palace into a five-star heritage hotel. This landmark public-private partnership aims to preserve a piece of royal history while promoting high-end tourism in the state.
The agreement was formalized today in the presence of Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, who called the day a “proud and transformative moment” for the state. The event also witnessed the attendance of key state officials including Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Secretary of PWD Kiran Gitte, Secretary of Tourism UK Chakma, Secretary PK Chakraborty, and senior IHCL representatives.
The Palace and the Plan
Pushpabanta Palace, originally constructed in 1917 during the reign of Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya, stands as a symbol of Tripura’s royal heritage. Over the years, it has served various official roles, including functioning as the Governor’s House. With the construction of a new Raj Bhavan, the historic palace was left underutilized.
Following the change in government in 2018, the BJP-led administration identified the palace as a key heritage asset with the potential to enhance tourism and local employment. “We thought of giving this historic building a meaningful use,” said Dr. Saha. “Today’s agreement is not just about reviving a palace—it is about opening a new chapter in Tripura’s development story.”
Under the lease agreement, IHCL will undertake the retrofitting and transformation of the palace and its surrounding area into a luxury heritage property featuring 100 rooms, including four exclusive suites designed to retain the original regal ambiance. Spread across 7.78 acres of lush land, the property will be equipped with world-class amenities while preserving the architectural essence of the palace.
Boost to Tourism and Employment
Describing the development as a long-cherished dream come true, the Chief Minister said, “Whenever we travelled outside Tripura, we saw iconic hotels of the Taj Group and often wondered when our state would get such a facility. Today, with this agreement, that aspiration is turning into reality.”
The project is expected to generate around 200 direct and indirect employment opportunities for local residents. “This initiative is not just about infrastructure—it’s about creating livelihoods, showcasing our culture, and placing Tripura firmly on the global tourism map,” Dr. Saha emphasized.
The Chief Minister further disclosed that although the initial timeline for the completion of the hotel was set at three years, the state government has requested IHCL to finish the project within two years. “We want to see the results sooner. Our officials are working tirelessly to facilitate a smooth process,” he said.
A Unique Model of Partnership
Dr. Saha also remarked that, to the best of officials’ knowledge, no such lease agreement has been signed in the country between a state government and a private hospitality giant for the adaptive reuse of a heritage palace. “This makes our initiative unique and pioneering. It will serve as a model for other states,” he noted.
Retrofitting work on the palace has already commenced, and with the official handover completed today, IHCL is set to begin the full-scale transformation. The project aligns with broader national efforts to integrate heritage conservation with economic growth through tourism.
A New Gateway for Global Visitors
The state government hopes the heritage hotel will attract not just domestic tourists but also international visitors interested in exploring Tripura’s rich cultural history and scenic landscapes. “A new door of tourism has opened,” said Dr. Saha. “With a brand like Taj coming in, we are confident of drawing travelers from across the globe to our state.”
As Tripura embarks on this ambitious journey of heritage tourism, the conversion of Pushpabanta Palace into a luxury hotel is being hailed as a milestone—a confluence of history, culture, development, and aspiration.
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