Tripura CM meets PM, seeks early completion of infra projects

Tripura today sought expeditious completion of crucial infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity with other parts of the country and urged the Centre to take proactive measures to re-establish rail, road, air and other links with Bangladesh.

The issues were raised by Chief Minister Manik Sarkar at a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here today.

The Prime Minister gave a patient hearing and assured Sarkar that necessary steps would be taken on the issues raised by him, a state government spokesperson said.

In a memorandum, the Chief Minister stressed that India 'needs to adopt a more proactive and accommodative approach towards Bangladesh so that things can move faster,' as improved connectivity with the country would benefit the entire north eastern region.

Maintaining that Agartala airport was the second busiest in the region after Guwahati, the state sought its upgradation and declaration as an international airport with connectivity to Dhaka, Chittagong and other foreign cities. It also sought operationalisation of airports at Kailashahar and Kamalpur.

It wanted expediting the broadening of the only national highway NH-44 connecting Tripura with the rest of the country, saying it was in a 'bad shape' and said a new national highway from Kukital to Sabroom should be constructed.

Sarkar demanded expeditious clearance of major railway works, including broad-guaging of Lumding-Silchar section, besides a reliable telecommunication link for the state.

He sought the Centre's help for the repatriation of 37,000 Reang refugees who migrated from Mizoram over 15 years ago due to ethnic violence, saying it was giving rise to socio-economic and law and order problems.

He wanted Assam Rifles to vacate of part of land in the heart of Agartala occupied by it to develop a modern sports complex, without dislocating the paramilitary force.