Agartala, Sept 16: Engineers have a crucial role to play in translating the vision of a developed India by 2047 into reality, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said while highlighting the importance of technology, innovation and infrastructure in Tripura’s development.
Addressing the 59th Engineers’ Day celebration at Prajna Bhavan on Tuesday, Dr. Saha said the engineering community has a special responsibility in supporting the efforts to build a “Viksit Bharat” and a “Viksit Tripura”.
Referring to the contribution of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, whose birth anniversary is observed as Engineers’ Day, the Chief Minister said his work in engineering, technology and nation-building continues to inspire generations.
Dr. Saha said infrastructure development remains a key priority of the state government. He pointed out that Tripura’s climatic conditions provide a particularly favourable four-month winter window for executing construction and other development projects.
“Proper planning and effective implementation are essential for completing development projects within the stipulated time,” he said, stressing the need to make maximum use of the available working period.
The Chief Minister also called for greater adoption of modern technologies and innovative engineering solutions to improve public services and enhance the quality of life.
Citing major engineering projects such as the Chenab Railway Bridge, Dr. Saha said advancements in engineering have enabled the country to undertake projects of global significance. He added that engineers in Tripura have also made important contributions to the state’s infrastructure and development.
Highlighting some of the changes brought about through technological intervention, he mentioned the expansion of e-office systems from the Assembly to the panchayat level, promotion of solar energy and the construction of a ring road under the Bharatmala project.
Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, who attended the programme as guest of honour, spoke about Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s contribution to the advancement of technology and engineering in the country.
PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte, Rural Development Department Secretary Abhishek Singh and IIT Kharagpur Director Dr. Suman Chakraborty also addressed the gathering.
As part of the celebration, awards were presented to five professors selected as Best Faculty of Engineering Colleges and five engineers recognised as Best Engineers. Engineers Chinmoy Debnath and Shibir Debbarma received the Engineer of the Year 2026 award from the Chief Minister.
Dr. Saha further announced that the land earmarked for the Institution of Engineers (India) office on VIP Road would be designated as IEI Land, while the bus stand adjacent to the Housing Board would be named IEI Bus Stand.
Earlier, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to the portrait of Sir M. Visvesvaraya. Dr. Saha also visited a blood donation camp organised in connection with Engineers’ Day and encouraged the donors.
PWD Chief Engineer Anup Kumar Das delivered the welcome address. PWD Joint Secretary Rajib Pal and other dignitaries were present at the programme. The vote of thanks was delivered by Parmananda Sarkar Banerjee, Chairman of the Tripura State Centre of the Institution of Engineers (India).