The largest proposed National Highway project in Tripura has entered a crucial stage, with land acquisition expected to begin soon for the 130-km four-lane NH-8 corridor connecting Churaibari and Champaknagar. The greenfield highway, featuring tunnels through two major hill ranges, is expected to significantly improve travel, freight movement and long-term connectivity across the state.
Agartala: One of the most ambitious road infrastructure projects in Tripura is set to gain momentum, with land acquisition expected to begin shortly for the proposed 130-km four-lane NH-8 corridor linking Churaibari on the Assam border with Champaknagar.
The project received a fresh push during a high-level review meeting in New Delhi, where Chief Minister Manik Saha and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari reviewed the progress of National Highway projects in Tripura and discussed measures to ensure timely execution of key infrastructure initiatives.
The Chief Minister informed the meeting that the highway alignment has already been approved by the Ministry after consultations with the state government, paving the way for the next stage of implementation.
Greenfield highway to run alongside railway line
The proposed four-lane NH-8 will be developed as a greenfield corridor running parallel to the existing railway network across Tripura.
A key engineering feature of the project will be the construction of tunnels through the Atharamura and Longtharai hill ranges. These tunnels are expected to improve travel efficiency while reducing sharp gradients and difficult stretches that currently affect road transport.
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Once completed, the corridor is expected to provide faster and safer movement of passengers and commercial vehicles while strengthening Tripura’s road connectivity with the rest of the country.
NHIDCL to begin construction process after land handover
During the review, Chief Minister Saha assured the Union Ministry that the state government would hand over more than 90 per cent of the required land for the remaining Ranirbazar-ISBT (Chandrapur) section of NH-8 by August 2026. Utility shifting in the area is also expected to be completed within the same timeframe.
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Following the completion of these formalities, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will initiate the tendering process for construction.
Officials described coordinated land acquisition and utility relocation as critical milestones for maintaining the project’s implementation schedule.
Project expected to strengthen regional connectivity
The proposed highway forms part of a broader effort to modernise Tripura’s transport infrastructure and improve connectivity within the state as well as with neighbouring Assam.
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According to the Chief Minister, Tripura’s National Highway network has expanded substantially over the past decade, increasing from 198 kilometres in 2014 to 923 kilometres in 2026. The upcoming four-lane NH-8 corridor is expected to become a major component of that expanding network.
Apart from easing traffic movement, the project is expected to facilitate trade, improve logistics, reduce travel time and support future economic development by creating a more efficient transport corridor through the state.
More highway upgrades also under consideration
The review meeting also examined progress on several other National Highway projects, including the proposed four-laning of the Agartala-Udaipur section of NH-8, the upgrade of the Udaipur-Amarpur road to National Highway standards, and new bypass projects around Agartala city.
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Senior officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHIDCL and the Tripura Public Works Department attended the meeting and reviewed timelines for land acquisition, utility shifting and other statutory clearances to ensure the timely execution of approved projects.
What the NH-8 Four-Lane Project Means for Tripura
- 130-km greenfield four-lane corridor connecting Churaibari and Champaknagar.
- Alignment approved, with land acquisition expected to begin shortly.
- Tunnels through Atharamura and Longtharai hills to improve travel efficiency.
- NHIDCL to invite construction bids after land handover and utility shifting.
- Expected to reduce travel time, strengthen freight movement, improve connectivity and support Tripura’s long-term economic growth.
