In a significant move toward digital governance and streamlined urban planning, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) is gearing up to introduce a fully online Building Plan Approval System (OBPAS). A major feature of this new system is its integration with the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) clearance process, making it compulsory for buildings within designated zones to obtain height clearance from the Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport.
This digital initiative follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Tripura Urban Development Department and the AAI on July 30, 2025. The agreement ensures seamless coordination between AMC’s single-window approval system and AAI’s No Objection Certificate Application System (NOCAS). The MoU was formally signed by Purbita Thakur Sinha (Executive Director, ATM, AAI), M. Zhimo (GM, ATM, NER, AAI), and Megha Jain, IAS (Director of Urban Development), in the presence of M. Suresh, Member (Air Navigation Services), AAI.
Through this integration, building height proposals will be automatically assessed in real time to ensure they adhere to aviation safety norms. Structures compliant with the limits specified in the Colour Coded Zoning Map (CCZM) will receive instant digital clearance. However, those located within restricted “Red Zones” must secure formal approval from airport authorities before proceeding.
This tech-driven transition is aligned with recent legal reforms. The Tripura Building (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2025—published in the state’s Extraordinary Gazette on July 5—mandate the use of the online portal for all building plan submissions. The amendment standardizes the definition of building height as the distance from the plinth or basement to the top of the structure. It also introduces flexibility in planning regulations, such as waiving the minimum plot size for industrial structures and allowing low-risk buildings to be approved through Self-Certification by applicants and certified professionals.
Additionally, building permit fees were revised by AMC on September 4, 2023, following a resolution by the Mayor-in-Council. The updated fees are:
For Residential Load-Bearing Structures:
Up to 100 sq. m: ₹80 (previously ₹60)
100–300 sq. m: ₹100 (was ₹70)
Above 300 sq. m: ₹200 (previously ₹140)
For Residential RCC Buildings:Under 140 sq. m: ₹130 (was ₹90)
140–300 sq. m: ₹160 (was ₹120)
Above 300 sq. m: ₹200 (was ₹150)
For Commercial RCC Buildings (>300 sq. m): ₹300 (earlier ₹200)For Boundary Walls (per running foot): ₹55 (was ₹35)Sanitary Latrine Plans: ₹120 for residential (unchanged), ₹250 for commercial (unchanged)
While Urban Development Director Megha Jain, IAS, was not available for a statement, internal AMC sources have confirmed that the digital approval platform is nearing its official rollout. Once launched, the OBPAS is expected to significantly reduce approval time, enhance transparency, and attract investments by simplifying construction-related compliance in Tripura’s urban areas.
This progressive development marks a key milestone in the state’s digital transformation journey, positioning Agartala as a leader in smart city governance and efficient municipal services.