Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, held a comprehensive review meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha in New Delhi to evaluate the progress of National Highway projects across Tripura and chart a roadmap for future road infrastructure development in the state. The meeting underscored a shared push for time-bound execution of several long-pending and new highway proposals.

Tripura's Highway Network: A Decade of Growth

Chief Minister Saha, who also holds the Public Works Development (PWD) portfolio, highlighted that Tripura's National Highway network has expanded from 198 km in 2014 to 923 km in 2026 — a nearly five-fold increase — and expressed gratitude to Gadkari for the Centre's sustained focus on the state's connectivity. This growth forms the backdrop against which the current round of projects is being pursued.

Key Projects Discussed and Timelines Set

Several major proposals were reviewed during the meeting, with specific deadlines attached to each. Chief Minister Saha confirmed that the alignment for the proposed four-laning of the 130-km Churaibari-Champaknagar stretch of NH-8 has already received ministerial approval. The planned greenfield four-lane corridor will run parallel to the existing railway line and will include tunnels through the Atharamura and Longtharai hill ranges. Land acquisition for the project is expected to begin shortly.

On the Ranirbazar-ISBT (Chandrapur) section of NH-8, the state government committed to handing over more than 90 per cent of the required land and completing utility shifting by August 2026, after which the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will float a construction tender.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the four-laning of the Agartala-Udaipur section of NH-8 is in its final stage, driven by a sharp increase in traffic volume and growing tourism and pilgrimage activity. The alignment is expected to be finalised by August 2026, with land acquisition to follow.

Additionally, the DPR for upgrading the 24-km Udaipur-Amarpur road as a spur of NH-8 is nearing completion. The road, once developed to National Highway standards, will significantly improve access between Udaipur — home to the revered Mata Tripura Sundari Temple — and Amarpur, the gateway to tourist destinations including Chabimura and Dumboor Lake.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also set to take up the development of the 148-km Kamalpur-Ambassa-Gandacherra-Santirbazar road, given its strategic importance for tourism, trade, and natural gas-based economic activities in the region.

Agartala Bypass and Urban Connectivity Plans

A fresh tender will be floated for the proposed 25-km Western Bypass of Agartala, with service lanes incorporated in the design to account for densely populated areas along the alignment. The proposed four-laning of the 10-km Eastern Bypass connecting Lembucherra and Khayerpur will be taken up after the alignment is finalised and land acquisition is completed.

Road Maintenance and Monsoon Preparedness

The meeting also reviewed the condition of several existing National Highways. Given the deterioration of road surfaces on the Agartala-Khowai stretch of NH-108B, the Kumarghat-Kailashahar and Kailashahar-Khowai stretches of NH-208, and the Kailashahar-Kurti Bridge section of NH-208A, it was decided that these corridors would be redeveloped in line with recommendations of the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI).

Chief Minister Saha also stressed the need for adequate drainage systems and retaining walls along National Highways to prevent flooding in adjoining habitations and minimise landslides in hilly areas during the monsoon season. Separately, the Assam government has been approached to widen the Kurti Bridge-Chandkhira section of NH-208A Spur from its existing 7-metre carriageway to 10 metres.

Officials Present and Next Steps

The review was attended by V. Umashankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; Krishna Kumar, Managing Director, NHIDCL; Kiran Gitte, Secretary, Tripura PWD; and Subrata Banik, Chief Engineer (National Highways), PWD, among other senior officials. The Tripura government assured the Ministry of full cooperation in ensuring timely land acquisition, forest clearances, and utility shifting for all approved projects. Concluding the meeting, Chief Minister Saha also thanked Gadkari for sanctioning the Agartala Ring Road project, which he said has further strengthened the state's road infrastructure and facilitated investment and regional connectivity.