Agartala, Dec 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, announced on Tuesday that the current BJP-led administration is placing a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, significantly boosting budgetary allocations to enhance the state's progress and establish a "New Tripura".

While addressing attendees during the inauguration and foundation-laying of various projects in Khowai district, the Chief Minister emphasized that infrastructure development serves as the foundation for comprehensive progress and should transcend political divides.

"Our government is dedicated to fostering a better and New Tripura. Development is indispensable, and politics should have no place in it," Saha stated.

Regarding inclusive governance, he mentioned a recent initiative to invite public representatives to government events, regardless of their political background.

The Chief Minister also shared that he recently met with Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, and has been assigned the role of leading the High-Level Task Force aimed at the comprehensive development of the Northeastern region, also referred to as ‘Ashtalakshi’.

“Chief Ministers from various Northeastern states are gradually being entrusted with this responsibility. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instilled in us the belief that work and development should be our primary focus,” he remarked.

Highlighting the government's financial commitment, Saha revealed that the state budget has risen from approximately Rs 27,000 crore in the previous year (2024-25) to Rs 32,000 crore for the financial year 2025-26, with a significant portion allocated for infrastructure.

He noted that during the recent Investors’ Summit in New Delhi, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, investment proposals worth Rs 30,000 crore were received, with around Rs 15,000 crore specifically for Tripura, attributed to the state's prevailing peace and stability.

On Tuesday alone, 11 projects were inaugurated, and foundation stones for two projects were laid, with an estimated cost of about Rs 113 crore.

Reiterating the government's commitment to combat substance abuse, he mentioned that drug de-addiction centres are being established in all districts as pledged.

Saha also pointed out advancements in the health sector, indicating that the number of MBBS seats in the state has increased to 400, while the Agartala Government Dental College now offers 63 seats.

He added that the bed capacity at the government-operated GB Hospital has nearly doubled, with recent foundations laid for a Critical Care Block, a Communicable Disease Centre, and two special wards.

Among those present at the event were Kalyani Saha Roy, Chief Whip of the Tripura Assembly, MLAs Pinaki Das Chowdhury and Nirmal Biswas, Aparna Singha Roy, President of Khowai Zilla Parishad, Kiran Gitte, Health Department Secretary, Rajat Pant, Khowai District Magistrate, Ranaditya Das, Superintendent of Police, along with other officials and public representatives.