Agartala, Oct 08: A wave of excitement swept through Agartala as the newly opened commercial complex cum multi-level parking at Old Motorstand emerged as a major attraction ahead of Durga Puja, drawing a huge rush of youngsters on its very first day. 

The modern facility quickly turned into a buzzing hotspot, with curious visitors flocking to explore its contemporary shopping spaces and new urban ambience. 

The overwhelming response evidently reflected the growing appetite among the city's younger generation for modern shopping and lifestyle destinations, adding a fresh dimension to Agartala's evolving urban landscape.

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who inaugurated the new facility, said it would help ease traffic congestion and parking woes in the state capital.

The Chief Minister said, the foundation stone of the project was laid in 2022 and that he had regularly reviewed its progress to ensure completion within the stipulated timeframe. 

The project is now operational and it's a significant step towards developing modern urban infrastructure in Agartala, he noted.

Recalling the earlier situation at Old Motorstand, Dr. Saha said the area had once been plagued by disorder and various problems, including alleged forcible occupation of land in the name of trade unions and unnecessary disputes between vehicle owners and workers. He said the situation had changed over time.

The Chief Minister clarified that the state government was not against workers or vehicle owners. Rather, it was committed to safeguarding their interests while providing proper facilities for them to sit and park their vehicles. 

He said the government's broader objective was to give Agartala a modern urban character while ensuring planned development across the state.

Highlighting the financial model of the project, Dr. Saha said the complex had been developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model without any direct expenditure by the government. Instead, the private investor had offered a land premium in exchange for the use of the land, while annual payments would provide the government with a regular source of revenue.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the new multi-level parking facility would significantly ease traffic congestion in the city. 

He warned that legal action would be taken against vehicles parked illegally on roads to ensure smooth traffic movement. He also said the government was planning to develop similar parking facilities at other locations in Agartala.

“Since 2018, our government has been implementing one development initiative after another. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are working not merely to dream of development but to translate those dreams into reality,” Dr. Saha said.

He identified employment generation for a large number of local youths as one of the major benefits of the project. 

The Chief Minister also said that construction of a large-scale Unity Mall at Badarghat was underway, with completion targeted for March next year.

He congratulated the investing company for incorporating Tripura's traditional bamboo and cane handicrafts into the interior decoration of the complex, saying that such initiatives would help showcase the state's rich cultural heritage.

Appealing to citizens to extend their cooperation, the Chief Minister stressed the need to maintain discipline and prevent disorder at the new facility. He said the government was committed to sustaining the peaceful atmosphere and positive environment prevailing in the state and taking Tripura forward on the path of development.

Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder described the inauguration as a moment of happiness for residents of Agartala, people across the state, and tourists and other visitors to the city. 

He said the modern infrastructure had become possible under the Chief Minister's visionary leadership.

Majumder pointed out that Agartala's population and civic requirements had increased over the years, while the expansion of railway connectivity had reduced some of the pressure on the Old Motorstand area. Against this backdrop, the previously underutilised land had been put to productive use through the development of the multi-level parking facility and commercial complex.

He said the project would provide a designated and secure space for vehicle parking while contributing to reduced congestion and improved urban aesthetics. 

He added that the Smart City Mission, the Urban Development Department, AMC and other concerned agencies were working in coordination to ensure the city's overall development.

According to Majumder, the peaceful and investment-friendly environment in Tripura was encouraging private investors to participate in major infrastructure projects.

Umang Meol, director of Tirupati Limited, delivered the welcome address.

Among those present were AMC Deputy Mayor Manika Das Dutta, corporator Ratna Dutta, Chief Minister's Secretary Kiran Gitte, Urban Development Department Secretary Milind Ramteke and AMC Commissioner Saju Wahid, among others.

G. Naik, Chief Executive Officer of Agartala Smart City Limited, delivered the vote of thanks. At the outset of the programme, the Chief Minister, accompanied by other dignitaries, visited the newly inaugurated complex and was briefed on its facilities and services.