The Central Government has approved additional funds to fast-track Agartala’s Light House Project after MP Biplab Kumar Deb’s intervention. Located near the Akhaura border, the project will provide modern housing to 1,000 families and is the first of its kind in Northeast India under the PMAY-U scheme.
The Central Government has approved additional funds to accelerate the completion of the much-delayed Light House Project (LHP) in Agartala, West Tripura, following a formal request from Member of Parliament and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb. The project, located near the Akhaura border, is expected to resume construction work in the coming weeks after being stalled for an extended period.
The development comes after Deb met Union Minister for Housing, Urban Affairs, and Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, in New Delhi on July 24. During the meeting, Deb raised concerns over the prolonged delays that have plagued the project and pressed for urgent intervention to ensure its timely completion. He emphasized that the LHP was not only a key infrastructure initiative but also a significant step towards improving housing availability in Tripura.
A Landmark Project for the Northeast
The Agartala Light House Project, initiated during Deb’s tenure as Chief Minister, holds special importance as it was the first of its kind in the entire Northeastern region. It is one among six LHPs launched across India under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U), aimed at showcasing innovative, sustainable, and rapid housing construction technologies.
The Agartala project was designed to provide modern housing facilities to 1,000 beneficiary families. Equipped with advanced construction techniques, the project promised faster completion timelines, better durability, and eco-friendly materials, marking a shift from conventional building practices in the region.
Challenges and Delays
Initially, the project saw considerable momentum, with the foundation work progressing swiftly. However, it soon ran into hurdles that brought construction to a near standstill. Key challenges included land-related disputes, logistical issues, and technical delays in procuring specialized materials required for the unique construction process.
These factors collectively prevented the project from meeting its original completion schedule, leaving many prospective beneficiaries waiting for years. For a scheme that aimed to set an example of speedy and efficient housing delivery, the slowdown became a growing concern for both residents and policymakers.
Biplab Deb’s Intervention
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Biplab Kumar Deb took up the matter directly with the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. In his meeting with Manohar Lal Khattar, Deb provided a detailed account of the challenges and emphasized the importance of completing the project without further delays.
Deb underscored that the LHP was more than just a housing initiative—it was a matter of pride for Tripura, showcasing the state’s capability to adopt cutting-edge construction technologies. He urged the Centre to approve additional financial resources to resolve pending issues and fast-track the remaining work.
Centre’s Approval and the Road Ahead
Responding to Deb’s request, the Central Government has now sanctioned extra funds for the Agartala LHP. This allocation is expected to address the resource shortfall that had hampered progress and allow construction to restart shortly.
With this boost, authorities are optimistic about completing the pending work within a revised timeframe. The renewed momentum is likely to benefit the 1,000 targeted families, many of whom have been eagerly awaiting possession of their homes.
Public Reaction and Significance
On social media, Deb expressed gratitude to the Union Minister and the Central Government for responding positively to his appeal. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that development projects in Tripura are executed effectively and without unnecessary delays.
Residents and housing beneficiaries have also welcomed the news, viewing it as a sign of renewed hope. For many, the completion of the LHP represents not just improved living conditions but also a tangible outcome of government accountability and follow-through.
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Urban development experts point out that the success of the Agartala LHP could set a precedent for similar projects in the Northeast. The use of modern construction technology, coupled with strong political and administrative will, may inspire greater adoption of such models in other states facing housing shortages.
As the state awaits the resumption of construction, the Centre’s approval of additional funds marks a decisive step toward fulfilling the project’s original vision—delivering modern, sustainable housing for Tripura’s citizens.
