Three Years After Approval, No Progress on New Tripura Bhavans; Existing Ones in Poor State Amid Soaring Food Prices

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 11, 2025

Despite a final decision being taken three years ago to set up new Tripura Bhavans in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and the Delhi NCR region, there has been no visible progress at any of these proposed sites till date. No construction work has started, and these initiatives appear to serve only as a reason for certain government officers to travel two to three times a year to these cities under the pretext of inspection and supervision.

Simultaneously, serious concerns have been raised about the poor maintenance of the existing Tripura Bhavans in Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. The Salt Lake Tripura Bhavan in Kolkata, in particular, has reportedly been in dilapidated condition for years. Although there was a proposal to add more floors to the existing building to accommodate the growing number of visitors, many of whom travel to Kolkata for medical treatment or education, no concrete steps have been taken by the Tripura government. Ironically, the West Bengal government is said to have expressed its willingness to assist with the new construction, but Tripura’s side has shown no urgency.

Accommodation remains a major concern for the people of Tripura visiting metropolitan cities. Most are unable to find rooms in Tripura Bhavans due to lack of capacity, poor upkeep, and stalled expansion plans.

To make matters worse, the state government has recently announced a steep hike in food prices at all Tripura Bhavans, with effect from July 9. Prices have increased by nearly 50 to 100 percent. For example, a Rs. 10 samosa (singara) will now cost Rs. 18, and a standard lunch that earlier cost Rs.40–Rs.60 has shot up to Rs.120–Rs.180. A plate of the traditional “gudokh” dish now costs Rs. 180.

Shockingly, these price revisions were approved by the Tripura government and implemented under the directive of the Resident Commissioner at the Tripura Bhavan in Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. Citizens are questioning the rationale behind such high pricing, especially when these Bhavans were originally established to assist common people from Tripura during their stay in other states.

The public is demanding accountability and a review of both the condition of the Bhavans and the recent price hike, emphasizing that these facilities were meant to serve the people, not burden them.

more news...