Amid rising public concerns over unequal infrastructure development in Tripura, particularly in tribal and semi-urban regions, the Public Works Department (National Highways) has issued a clarification regarding the status of road improvements in the area. According to official sources, the 25-kilometer stretch from Jogendra Nagar RCC Bridge to Takarjala Market has already been upgraded under the Special Assistance to States fund.
The department confirmed that the riding quality of the road has been significantly enhanced, with an average width of 6.5 meters. Installation of road signage is currently underway. However, officials also clarified that widening the segment between Jogendra Nagar and the railway station is not immediately feasible. The area is densely built-up, and expansion would require extensive land acquisition and the demolition of permanent structures—a process deemed impractical at present.
This clarification comes in response to local criticism regarding the lack of expansion and development on key connecting routes, particularly those serving vital institutions such as the Nagicherra fish market, the TFDC rubberwood factory, various agricultural research centers, and educational institutions.
Political Criticism Over Development Imbalance
Opposition parties, including the Congress, CPI(M), and TIPRA Motha, have long accused the state government of disproportionately focusing on infrastructure projects in urban centers while neglecting tribal-dominated and rural areas. These concerns were further amplified following Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s recent announcement of a ₹7,000 crore infrastructure budget, which includes plans for double-lane roads, bypasses, and flyovers under central schemes such as Bharatmala and the proposed 449-kilometer Ring Road project.
While the government’s broader vision emphasizes improved urban mobility and stronger connectivity between district headquarters and subdivisions, communities in tribal and semi-urban regions are now calling for greater equity in project implementation. Residents argue that road networks critical to their livelihoods and access to services continue to be overlooked.
A Call for Inclusive Development
As infrastructure remains a cornerstone of Tripura’s growth agenda, the demand for a more inclusive and region-sensitive approach is growing louder. Ensuring balanced development across all regions—urban and rural, tribal and non-tribal—will be essential for bridging the developmental divide and building trust among all communities.
For now, while the completed stretch from Jogendra Nagar to Takarjala marks a step forward, the pending upgradation of the Nagicherra road remains a key concern. Locals and political leaders alike are urging the government to address such neglected routes, ensuring that infrastructure development truly reaches every corner of the state.