The State Government has submitted multiple proposals to the Central Government, focusing on strengthening the public distribution system, enhancing tourism, and improving railway and air connectivity.
Speaking to the media in Agartala on Thursday, Tripura’s Food, Tourism, and Transport Minister, Sushanta Chowdhury, highlighted these initiatives, referring to his recent meetings with Union Ministers during his visit to Delhi.
During his interactions, Minister Chowdhury met with Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. At today’s press conference, he elaborated on the state’s requests and the responses from the central government.
Pending Ration Dealers’ Commission and Digitalization of PDS
Addressing the media, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury highlighted his discussion with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, where he raised concerns over Rs 53.17 crore in pending commission payments for ration shop dealers under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). The funds, due since the 2021-22 financial year, had not been disbursed due to administrative delays. The Union Minister assured that the amount would be released soon.
The minister also provided updates on the ongoing e-KYC verification process at ration shops, stating that 69% of consumers in the state have already been verified. Furthermore, he mentioned that the central government has approved an increase in commission for ration dealers from Rs 143 per quintal to Rs 180 per quintal. Once the integration of electronic weighing machines with e-POS devices is completed, ration dealers in Tripura will be able to avail of the enhanced commission.
Major Tourism Projects Proposed for Tripura
During his meeting with Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister Chowdhury proposed several tourism projects to boost the state’s tourism infrastructure. Key proposals included:
- Rs 70 crore for tourism development at Jampui Hill
- Rs 50 crore for the Tripura Heritage Village and Music Experience Project at Sachindranagar Colony in Jirania
- Rs 30 crore for the Mystic Plantation Retreat Project in Lakshmilunga, Agartala
The minister noted that Shekhawat responded positively to these proposals and assured swift action. Additionally, he mentioned that the central government has already sanctioned Rs 67 crore out of the Rs 97.7 crore allocated for the construction of the Ekanna Shaktipeeth temple at Banduar in Udaipur, further supporting Tripura’s religious tourism initiatives.
Key Railway Demands Raised with Union Minister
In his meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chowdhury outlined several crucial railway infrastructure demands, including:
- Introduction of a Vande Bharat Express between Guwahati and Agartala
- Conversion of single railway lines to double lines across the state
- Expedited electrification of the Badarpur-Agartala rail route
- Launch of electric passenger train services in Tripura
- Introduction of an Agartala-Guwahati Intercity rail service
- New express train routes, including Agartala-Jammu, Agartala-Puri, and Agartala-Gaya
- Speeding up construction of a railway line to the under-construction fuel storage depot at Sekerkote
- Upgrading Agartala Railway Station to world-class standards
- Adding stoppages for Kanchanjungha Express at Belonia, Teliamura, and Manu stations
The Union Minister assured immediate consideration of these requests, which are expected to enhance rail connectivity and infrastructure in Tripura.
Push for International Flight Services from Agartala Airport
During his discussion with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury pressed for improved air connectivity in Tripura. He specifically requested:
- International flight services from Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport
- Introduction of immigration services at Agartala Airport
- More flight services on the Agartala-Delhi route
- Direct flights between Agartala and Mumbai
- Affordable airfares for various routes to benefit the common public
- Operationalization of Kailashahar Airport
The Union Minister responded positively and assured that steps would be taken to expand air connectivity in the region.
Senior Officials Present at the Press Conference
Several high-ranking state officials attended the press conference, including C.K. Jamatia, the Secretary of the Transport Department; U.K. Chakma, the Secretary of the Tourism Department; Debapriya Bardhan, the Special Secretary of the Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Department; Sumit Lodh, the Director of the Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Department; and Subrata Chowdhury, Additional Secretary of the Transport Department.
