New Delhi/Agartala, 29th July 2025:
In a significant development for Tripura’s infrastructure landscape, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, has assured concrete action on critical road projects and flood-damaged routes in Tripura. The assurance came in response to a letter sent by Member of Parliament Shri Biplab Kumar Deb, who has been relentlessly following up with multiple central ministries on behalf of the state.
In his communication, Gadkari acknowledged Deb’s letter dated 23rd January 2025, where the MP had demanded accelerated completion of National Highway works in Tripura, especially the Kamalpur-Ambassa-Gandatwisa-Amarpur-Santirbazar stretch. He confirmed that the road will be upgraded to a two-lane National Highway with paved shoulders, with quality being strictly maintained.
The Union Minister also admitted that delays in several highway projects were due to land acquisition hurdles, force majeure conditions, and the underperformance of certain EPC contractors. He added that retendering and reallocation measures are already being implemented.
Referring to the devastating floods of August 2024 that severely affected both State and National Highway infrastructure in Tripura, Gadkari stated that the NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited) has already taken up immediate and emergency restoration work. Detailed damage assessment has been carried out in collaboration with NIT Agartala, and DPR consultants have been engaged for permanent restoration plans.
Notably, Shri Biplab Kumar Deb’s proactive and persistent efforts have been pivotal in pushing these issues to the forefront of the Centre’s agenda. Despite not holding a ministerial position himself, Deb has independently taken up key developmental matters with the central ministries, acting as a bridge between Tripura and New Delhi.
In a statement, Deb expressed heartfelt gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for prioritising Tripura’s needs. “I thank Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari ji for giving importance to our demands and initiating necessary actions to ensure timely progress and quality in highway development and restoration in Tripura,” Deb said.
This development is seen as a clear sign of Deb’s rising influence and effectiveness in national politics, as he continues to champion Tripura’s causes with unmatched dedication.
