Tripura Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr Manik Saha on Friday participated in the interactive session convened by NITI Aayog with the Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of the North-Eastern states in New Delhi. The meeting was held in the presence of NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri and Members of NITI Aayog.
Addressing the session, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to NITI Aayog for its continued guidance and support to Tripura and the North-Eastern Region. He stated that Tripura’s Vision Document, Lakshya 2047, aims to build an “Unnato and Shreshtho” future-ready State through improved governance, institutional strengthening, and the optimal utilization of available resources.
Highlighting the State’s achievements, Dr Manik Saha noted Tripura’s significant progress in governance reforms, digital transformation, investment promotion, healthcare, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He pointed out that Tripura secured the first rank among all States and Union Territories in Deregulation and Compliance Reduction in both Phase I and Phase II, underscoring the State’s commitment to ease of doing business and administrative efficiency.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the strengthening of Tripura’s institutional ecosystem through initiatives such as the Tripura Institution for Transformation, the Tripura Urban Planning and Development Authority, the Investment Promotion Agency of Tripura, and the Good Governance Department, all of which have played a vital role in enhancing policymaking and public service delivery.
During the interaction, Dr Saha outlined the State’s key development priorities, including enhanced regional and international connectivity, promotion of the North East as an integrated investment destination, development of Agartala AI City, and positioning Tripura as a leading pharmaceutical and MedTech hub. He also highlighted the State’s immense potential in the natural fibres sector and called for stronger collaboration with national and international incubation centres to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Seeking support for critical infrastructure initiatives, the Chief Minister urged the early operationalisation of the Sabroom–Ramgarh Integrated Check Post and the Agartala–Akhaura railway link, introduction of direct Agartala–Chittagong flight services, revival of Kailashahar Airport, strengthening of railway connectivity, and commencement of Vande Bharat Express services between Agartala and Guwahati.
On the healthcare front, Dr Saha informed the gathering that referrals of patients outside the State have reduced considerably, while Tripura’s Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 17 to 12 per 1,000 live births over the past three years. He reiterated the State Government’s request for the establishment of an AIIMS in Agartala and sought enhanced health financing support under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana (CM-JAY).
The Chief Minister also proposed the up gradation of the Netaji Subhash Regional Coaching Centre, Agartala, into a National Academy for Gymnastics, Football, Judo, and Swimming. In addition, he advocated the organization of a multi-stage North East Cycling Race, modelled on the Tour de France, to promote sports, adventure tourism, and regional integration.
Reaffirming Tripura’s unwavering commitment to the collective progress of the North East and the national vision of Viksit Bharat, Prof. Dr Manik Saha expressed confidence that the deliberations under the guidance of NITI Aayog would further accelerate the State’s development trajectory and unlock new opportunities for the entire North-Eastern Region.