Hotel, Shopping Mall in Multi-Level Parking Building, Fears of Increased Traffic Congestion in Old Motorstand Area
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 18, 2026
A project originally projected as a major multi-level car parking facility to ease Agartala’s chronic parking and traffic problems has now become the subject of controversy following reports that a substantial portion of the multi-storey building is being developed for commercial purposes, including a hotel, multiplex and shopping facilities.
The ambitious project at the Old Motorstand area, being developed under Agartala Smart City Limited at an estimated cost of around Rs.200 crore, was initially presented as a modern multi-level parking and commercial complex. Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha laid the foundation stone and performed the Bhumi Pujan for the project on December 30, 2022. The project has now reportedly reached its final stage.
According to details available about the project, the proposed structure is around 14 storeys high and approximately 50.2 metres in height, while the entire development has come up on around 1.110 acres of government land. The project is being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, and the building has reportedly been leased to private retail company PRM Begraj Group for an initial period of 29 years, with provisions for two further 29-year extensions. If all extensions are exercised, the potential lease period could extend to 87 years, according to the report citing a highly placed official source.
The major issue now being raised is whether the completed structure will primarily serve the purpose of providing parking facilities in the heart of Agartala or whether it has effectively evolved into a major private commercial destination.
Details cited in the report indicate that the lower and upper basements together are expected to accommodate only around 250–290 two-wheelers and four-wheelers. In contrast, a significant portion of the remaining multi-storey structure is reportedly intended for commercial activities, including a star-category hotel, multiplex, shopping outlets, amusement and recreation facilities and a food zone.
An earlier proposal had reportedly envisaged a three- or four-star Lemon Tree Hotel, with around 80 rooms or suites and a swimming pool. Although the status of that particular arrangement has reportedly changed, there are now reports that a Lemon Tree Premium Hotel may operate from the premises.
The complex is also reportedly being equipped with nine modern lifts, while interior and display work for around 38 showrooms or sales outlets of national and international brands is progressing. The commercial complex is expected to become operational before Durga Puja, subject to completion of the remaining work and the necessary official approvals.
The proposed commercial use of the multi-level parking structure has triggered questions about the original objective of the project. The Old Motorstand area is already one of the busiest parts of Agartala, and the introduction of a hotel, shopping complex, multiplex, food zone and other commercial activities could potentially attract additional vehicles and visitors to the area.
Instead of reducing traffic pressure, critics fear that the commercial activities could increase vehicle movement around the complex, particularly during peak hours, weekends and festive periods. The concern becomes more significant if the available parking capacity is substantially smaller than the volume of vehicles expected to be generated by the proposed commercial establishments.
Another issue raised in connection with the project relates to alleged occupation of government road space. A portion of Chittaranjan Road connecting the Motorstand area is reportedly being occupied by electrical transformers and other installations associated with the project. The reported obstruction has raised questions regarding compliance with the approved project plan and road-right-of-way requirements.
Given the concerns, a record-based joint demarcation of the government land and adjoining road space by the PWD and Agartala Municipal Corporation could help establish whether any portion of public road space has been occupied and whether the project has been constructed strictly according to the sanctioned plans.
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