Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury directed speedy completion of Assam-Agartala NH Expansion works. Explore the collaborative push to complete the works prioritizing community and infrastructure harmony.
Agartala April 18: In a significant push for infrastructure development in Tripura, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has mandated the swift completion of the Assam-Agartala National Highway-08 (NH-8) expansion, emphasizing its critical role in boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.
The directive came during a high-level meeting held on Friday (April 18), at the Jirania Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s conference hall, where stakeholders convened to strategize the acceleration of the highway widening project, particularly the Champaknagar to Khayerpur stretch.
A Unified Call for Progress
The meeting, chaired by the Jirania Sub-Divisional Magistrate and attended by Pritam Debnath, Chairman of the Jirania Panchayat Samiti, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to transform the NH-8 corridor into a vital lifeline for Tripura.
Key attendees included representatives from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), New India Construction Limited, and various state departments such as Public Works, Drinking Water & Sanitation, and the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.
Other participants included the West District Land Acquisition Officer, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (Mandai), Divisional Fire Officer (West District), and local representatives from the Mohanpur Bazar Committee, among others.
Sushanta Chowdhury underscored the importance of the NH-8 expansion and said, the Assam-Agartala NH Expansion is extremely important for the state’s progress.
He emphasized, we must identify and resolve all obstacles on a priority basis to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
The Minister specifically instructed the construction agency to expedite work on the Champaknagar-Khayerpur section, urging seamless coordination with the state administration to maintain momentum.
Balancing Development and Community Interests
The discussions highlighted a balanced approach to development, with a strong focus on minimizing disruptions to existing infrastructure and safeguarding the interests of government institutions, commercial establishments, and small businesses along the highway.
“During the meeting, I urged the attending officials to prioritize measures to ensure the road can be widened as quickly as possible while causing minimal harm to the various institutions and shops located along both sides of the road”, the Minister said.
“During the meeting, I urged the attending officials to prioritize measures to ensure the road can be widened as quickly as possible while causing minimal harm to the various institutions and shops located along both sides of the road”, the Minister said.
According to the local community, this commitment to preserving the socio-economic fabric of the region resonated throughout the meeting, as stakeholders brainstormed strategies to address potential challenges proactively.
The presence of diverse representatives—from revenue inspectors and tehsildars to cooperative society registrars and child development officers—underscored the project’s far-reaching implications for local communities.
By fostering collaboration among these groups, the initiative aims to ensure that the highway expansion not only improves transportation but also supports the economic vitality of the region.
The involvement of local bodies, such as the Mohanpur Bazar Committee, highlighted the importance of community engagement in the project. By incorporating feedback from small businesses and residents, the initiative aims to mitigate disruptions and foster goodwill among those directly affected by the construction.
Strategic Collaboration for Timely Execution
For speedy and smooth completion of the works, Minister Chowdhury directed the construction agency to work in close partnership with the state administration, leveraging the expertise of NHIDCL and New India Construction Limited.
The Assam-Agartala NH expansion is crucial for Tripura’s infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity between key regions and facilitating the movement of goods and people.
With the Transport Minister’s directive to expedite the widening works, the life-line of Tripura is likely to be ready before the monsoon season, local traders commented.
