Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday, 9 October 2026, directed senior officials to accelerate the preparation and submission of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a proposed medical college at Jolaibari in South Tripura district. The institution is planned under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) and will be developed by upgrading the existing Shantirbazar District Hospital, with the stated aim of delivering advanced healthcare and medical education to southern Tripura and adjoining areas.

Meeting at the State Civil Secretariat

A review meeting convened at the State Civil Secretariat in Agartala set the project in motion. Health Secretary Kiran Gitte opened proceedings with a detailed visual presentation covering the development blueprint, infrastructure requirements, the current status of Shantirbazar District Hospital, and key implementation considerations. Chief Minister Saha — who also holds the Health and Family Welfare portfolio — reviewed the proposal, discussed its components with department heads, and issued formal directions to expedite the DPR.

A Township Vision, Not Just a Medical College

Saha underlined that the project should serve a purpose well beyond bricks and mortar. He called for the Jolaibari area to be developed into a well-planned township anchored by the medical institution, with infrastructure supporting healthcare, education, and regional growth. He specifically suggested that the campus incorporate a yoga centre, an auditorium, a football ground, and an indoor badminton hall to foster a holistic academic environment for students, doctors, and support staff.

Standards for Infrastructure and Patient Care

The Chief Minister stressed that the proposed institution's infrastructure must be modern, functional, and scientifically planned to meet the long-term demands of both medical education and healthcare delivery. He directed that equal weight be given to academic quality, hospital infrastructure, and patient-facing services. Saha also called for a careful assessment of the hospital's existing facilities alongside its future requirements, to ensure effective and quality service delivery for communities across South Tripura.

Coordination and Attendance

Saha emphasised that cross-departmental coordination would be critical to the project's success. Minister for Minority Welfare Shuklacharan Noatia, Department Director Nirmal Adhikari, the District Magistrate of South Tripura, and senior officials from several concerned departments attended the meeting. The convergence of health, minority welfare, and district administration signals the government's intent to treat this as a multi-sectoral development initiative rather than a standalone health project.

What Comes Next

With the DPR fast-track order now issued, officials are expected to complete and submit the document for PMJVK consideration. Once cleared, the project would proceed to tendering and construction phases. The outcome will be closely watched as South Tripura remains one of the state's more under-served regions for tertiary healthcare infrastructure.