Centre Clears Key National Highway Projects for Tripura
Jul 02, 2026
Tripura is set to witness a major boost in road infrastructure following a high-level meeting between Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi on Wednesday. The meeting focused on accelerating ongoing National Highway projects, improving road connectivity, and approving new infrastructure initiatives across the state.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the approval of the alignment for the proposed four-laning of the 130-km Churaibari–Champaknagar stretch of National Highway-08. The Greenfield highway will run parallel to the railway line and include tunnels through the Atharamura and Longtarai hill ranges. Land acquisition for the project is expected to commence shortly.
The Chief Minister thanked the Union Minister for the significant expansion of Tripura's National Highway network, which has increased from 198 km in 2014 to 923 km in 2026, and for sanctioning the Agartala Ring Road project. Both leaders agreed to expedite ongoing projects, strengthen highway maintenance, and undertake new initiatives to enhance connectivity within the state and with neighbouring states.
The state government has been asked to hand over 90 per cent of the required land, along with utility shifting, for the four-laning of the Ranirbazar–ISBT (Chandrapur) stretch by August 2026, after which the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will float the tender. Meanwhile, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the four-laning of the Agartala–Udaipur section of NH-08 is in its final stage, with alignment expected to be finalised by August before land acquisition begins.
The meeting also reviewed the proposed development of the 24-km Udaipur–Amarpur road, which connects the Tripura Sundari Temple with tourist destinations such as Chabimura and Dumboor Lake. The project is also in the final DPR stage and will be developed to National Highway standards.
Another major proposal involves the development of the 148-km Kamalpur–Ambassa–Gandachara–Santirbazar road, which has been identified for its strategic importance in tourism, trade, and natural gas resources. Fresh tenders will also be invited for the 25-km Western Bypass of Agartala, incorporating service lanes, while the proposed Eastern Bypass connecting Lembucherra and Khayerpur will proceed after finalisation of alignment and land acquisition.
Addressing concerns over deteriorating road conditions, the Centre also decided to redevelop several National Highway stretches, including Agartala–Khowai (NH-108B), Kumarghat–Kailashahar, Kailashahar–Khowai (NH-208), and Kailashahar–Kurti Bridge (NH-208A), based on recommendations of the Central Road Research Institute. Discussions were also held with the Assam Government for widening the Kurti Bridge–Chandkhira stretch of NH-208A.
Chief Minister Manik Saha assured full cooperation in land acquisition, forest clearances, and utility shifting to ensure timely completion of the projects. He also urged the Union Ministry to provide adequate drainage systems and retaining walls along National Highways to prevent flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in hilly regions during the monsoon.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Government of Tripura, NHIDCL, and the Public Works Department.
