Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said that he has requested the Central government to start international flight services from Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) airport at the earliest.
Addressing an official function in Agartala, the Chief Minister said that development is the top priority of the BJP government. “One of the goals of our government is to work for the people, and we are continuously striving towards that. A request has already been made to the Centre to start international flights from MBB Airport to other countries,” said Saha, adding that Rs 7,000 crore was allocated for various infrastructure development projects.
He highlighted that MBB Airport is one of the most beautiful airports in the northeast, with excellent modern infrastructure.
“Several flights are currently operating with most of the important cities in the country and more would be added in the coming days. There were discussions about initially starting international flights to Chittagong in Bangladesh, but given the current situation in the neighbouring country, that plan is on hold,” he added.
Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury earlier said that it was decided that SpiceJet would operate flights on the Agartala-Chittagong route and accordingly, the Tripura government had decided to provide Rs 15 crore to the AAI.
He had said that the state government paid Rs 3.85 crore to the AAI as three months’ advance in December 2022, besides providing 25 police personnel to the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Currently, 13 flights operate from the MBB Airport with over 4,000 passenger footfalls daily. With a built-up area of 30,000 sq mt, the new terminal at the airport has been designed to handle both domestic and international passengers simultaneously during peak hours.
The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati and the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal currently enjoy international status in the northeastern region.
The Chief Minister said that the Tripura government is committed to infrastructure development across the state and for this, it is essential to engage with stakeholders and plan in advance for each project.
Saha also reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision is that development is crucial not only for the progress of the people and the socio-economic upliftment of the society, but it would resolve many challenges.
Noting that the Prime Minister has given the state HIRA (highway, internet, railway, and airway) model, he said that about 839 km of national highway work is currently underway in Tripura, with more than half of it already completed.
Decisions have been taken for four additional highways and the improved communication system in the state now allows many people posted in remote and distant locations to commute daily, Saha said.
He said that rail services have also improved significantly, with several express train services connecting Tripura to various states in the country.
“Vande Bharat Express trains would be introduced to Tripura soon. I recently spoke to the Railway Minister (Ashwini Vaishnaw), who assured me that Tripura will receive Vande Bharat Express train services, along with inter-city train services. The Prime Minister is leading us towards progress,” he said.
Centre to invest Rs 1,000 crore for waterways in northeast: Sarbananda Sonowal
Sonowal said, “As per the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are developing robust waterway infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast with projects worth Rs 1,000 crore on the anvil, targeted for completion by 2026.”
Rafale friendship takes flight: French Senate delegation backs India in fight against terror
The Rafale fighter jets supplied by France are not just cutting-edge defence platforms — they now stand as soaring symbols of a time-tested friendship and strategic trust between India and France, New Delhi told a visiting delegation of the French Senate on Tuesday.
PM Modi to German Chancellor: Both countries stand united in fight against terrorism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with Friedrich Merz on Tuesday evening and congratulated him on assuming office as the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
‘Asking a thief to probe his own crime’: FS Misri slams Pakistan’s joint investigation call during MP briefing on terror outreach
In a bold diplomatic initiative following ‘Operation Sindoor’, India has rolled out an unprecedented global campaign to expose Pakistan’s direct and indirect links to terrorism.
From Tokyo to Washington: Operation Sindoor delegations, tour dates revealed
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, a decisive military operation targeting terror launchpads across the Line of Control, the Indian government has launched an unprecedented global diplomatic offensive.
Beaten and humiliated in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan promotes Army Chief Asim Munir to Field Marshal for 'securing country'
In an unprecedented move after India's hard-hitting Operation Sindoor targetting the terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan post Pahalgam massacre, the Pakistan Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced its decision to promote the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
Heritage hotel in Pushpabanta Palace to boost tourism; open arena of job for youths: CM Dr Manik Saha
To further boost tourism in Tripura, the department of tourism on Tuesday signed a lease agreement with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) for establishment of a five star category hotel in the historic Pushpabanta Palace here at Agartala Circuit House.
IMD issues orange alert for North, Unakoti; Districts record highest rainfall
The Meteorological Centre in Agartala has issued an orange alert for North Tripura and Unakoti districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall between May 21 and May 25. A yellow alert has been issued for the rest of Tripura during the same period.