Agartala, Mar 03: In a concerted effort to enhance Tripura’s tourism, air connectivity, and railway infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury held high-level meetings with three Union Ministers in New Delhi—Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Major Tourism Push with ₹150 Crore Central Aid:
During his discussion with Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chowdhury secured an assurance of ₹150 crore in central assistance for tourism development in Tripura.
Accompanied by senior officials from the Tourism Department, he presented a Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining ongoing and future tourism initiatives in the state. The Union Minister reportedly pledged full support in transforming Tripura into a key tourist destination.
Demand for Better Air Connectivity:
In his meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Chowdhury advocated for several key demands to boost air travel, including:
* Direct flight service between Agartala and Mumbai to enhance business and tourism connectivity.
* Increased frequency of flights on the Agartala-Delhi route to accommodate growing passenger demand.
* Recognition of Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport as an international airport, unlocking global travel opportunities.
*Regulation of airfares to ensure affordability for travelers.
The Union Minister assured Chowdhury that he would personally visit the long-abandoned Kailashahar airport to assess its potential revival. Additionally, he promised to examine the airfare issue and work towards a practical solution.
Railway Development Talks:
During his meeting with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chowdhury discussed strategies to improve railway connectivity in Tripura. The discussions centered on expanding railway services, upgrading existing infrastructure, and addressing key connectivity challenges to bolster economic growth in the region.
These back-to-back meetings signal the state government’s strong push to modernize its transport and tourism sectors, ensuring better facilities and connectivity for the people of Tripura.