AGARTALA : Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for eight development projects in Tripura with a total outlay of ?365 crore, marking a major push to infrastructure and connectivity in the state.

Scindia carried out the inaugurations and foundation-laying ceremonies on the first day of his visit to Tripura, accompanied by Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha.

Of the eight projects, five completed works costing ?270 crore were inaugurated. These include the 13.775-km Jatanbari-Mandirghat via Tirathmukh road, improvement of the KA road from Erarpar to Ambassa over a stretch of 28.90 km, and the 8-km Gandacherra-Raishyabari-Narikel Kunja road.

The projects are aimed at strengthening road connectivity between villages and district centres, improving access to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities.

Improved connectivity from Amarpur (Fatiksagar) to Chabimura was highlighted as a key intervention to boost access to Tripura’s heritage and tourism sites. A Solar Microgrid project implemented under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme was also cited as a significant step towards providing reliable electricity in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

The Union Minister also laid the foundation stone for three new road projects with an estimated cost of ?95 crore. These include the 9.10-km Kowaifung (Panjirai) to Karbook road, the Jampui (PMGSY point) to Kangrai road, and the Burighat to Sermun-II road. Officials said the projects are expected to improve all-weather connectivity in hilly and interior regions of the state.

Addressing a function, Scindia said the Centre has invested more than ?6.5 lakh crore in the Northeastern region over the past 12 years, with all Central ministries mandatorily earmarking 10 per cent of their budgets for the region’s development.

The minister is scheduled to visit several development sites across Tripura and offer prayers at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple at Matabari later in the day, officials said.

Referring to the PM-DevINE scheme, Scindia said the Solar Micro Grid project would ensure clean and reliable power supply in remote and difficult areas, strengthening education, healthcare delivery and livelihood options.

In addition, the minister laid the foundation stone for three new road projects to be constructed at a cost of ?95 crore. These include the Kowaifung (Panjirai) to Karbook Road, the Jampui (PMGSY point) to Kangrai Road, and the Burighat to Sermun-II Road. He said these projects would ensure sustained connectivity for hilly and interior regions, keeping remote areas integrated with the mainstream of development.

Scindia reiterated that every Central ministry is mandated to spend 10 per cent of its budget in the Northeastern states, a policy he said has accelerated infrastructure creation and social development across the region. He praised Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, noting that strong Centre-State coordination has helped the state achieve new benchmarks in social, economic and infrastructure growth.

During his visit, the Union Minister is also scheduled to inspect various development sites across Tripura and offer prayers at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple at Matabari, one of the country’s prominent Shakti Peeths, seeking prosperity for the state and the nation.

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