Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday, 14 June said that Tripura has emerged as a key contributor to the Northeast's development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, crediting a decade of investments in connectivity, infrastructure, governance and economic opportunity for the state's transformation.

Sonowal was in Agartala as part of a series of programmes marking 12 years of the Modi-led government at the Centre.

Key Engagements During the Visit

During his day-long visit, the Union Minister participated in a citizens' interaction programme and addressed the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan'. He also visited an exhibition showcasing Central government initiatives, joined the Pragati Path Yatra, reviewed the ongoing construction of a high-rise government office complex at Gurkhabasti in Agartala, and planted a sapling at Nutannagar Girls' Higher Secondary School in Gomati district under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.

What Sonowal Said About Tripura's Progress

Addressing eminent citizens at the Sankalp Sammelan, Sonowal described the Modi government's 12-year tenure as one defined by 'Vishwas, Vikas and Jan Kalyan' — trust, development and public welfare — with governance becoming more transparent, technology-driven and citizen-centric.

'PM Modi's leadership has transformed India from a nation of hesitation into a nation of confidence. The last 12 years have brought development, welfare and opportunity to every corner of the country, including the Northeast,' Sonowal said.

He pointed to improvements in roads, railways, digital connectivity and public infrastructure as factors that have helped integrate Tripura more closely with national and international markets. 'Tripura is scripting a new chapter of growth. What once seemed difficult to achieve is now becoming reality,' he added.

Northeast as India's Gateway to Southeast Asia

Sonowal highlighted the growing international recognition of Tripura's Queen pineapple, arguing that improved connectivity and market access had opened new export opportunities for local farmers. He said the Northeast had moved 'from the margins to the mainstream' of national development and was now positioned as India's strategic gateway to Southeast Asia.

'The Northeast is now being viewed as the new engine of India's economic growth. Enhanced connectivity, peace accords, infrastructure investments and people-centric governance have unlocked the immense potential of the region,' Sonowal said.

Women, Youth and Welfare Schemes

The Union Minister also spoke about the government's focus on empowering women and youth through welfare schemes, skill development programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and direct benefit transfers. He cited 'Nari Shakti' and 'Yuva Shakti' as central pillars of India's development journey, noting that young people today have greater access to innovation, start-ups and enterprise.

Governance and the Road to 2047

Sonowal reviewed the Gurkhabasti high-rise office complex, describing it as a step toward bringing administration closer to citizens. He also lauded Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha for accelerating infrastructure development and governance reforms in the state.

The Union Minister called upon citizens to actively participate in nation-building during the Amrit Kaal period, saying the past 12 years had laid a strong foundation for the vision of a developed India by 2047. Among those present at the various events were Chief Minister Manik Saha, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state President Abhishek Debroy.