LoP Jitendra Chowdhury Demands White Paper on Haora Riverfront and Airport Road Projects, Seeks full Disclosure of Project Component
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 24, 2026
A demand for a comprehensive White Paper on the Haora Riverfront Development Project and the four-laning and redevelopment of Airport Road has been raised by Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chowdhury, following the formal inauguration of the two major Agartala projects on September 22.
Chowdhury has sought complete transparency regarding the two projects, including their original project estimates, sanctioned amounts, tender values, actual expenditure, work completed, pending works and any changes made to the original project plans.
The demand has come amid allegations that although both projects have been formally inaugurated, all components of the projects may not yet have been completed. Chowdhury told journalists that, based on what he had heard, the projects had been inaugurated even though some works were still unfinished. His remarks have triggered renewed questions about whether the projects were inaugurated after full completion or while certain components remained pending.
The Leader of the Opposition's demand for a White Paper effectively puts the focus on a comparison between what was originally promised and what has actually been delivered on the ground.
Notably, the Haora Riverfront Development Project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on September 22. The government has described the project as a major step towards making Agartala greener, cleaner, more modern and more liveable, while also highlighting the historical and cultural importance of the Haora River.
The riverfront has been developed along the Haora near Battala and includes riverbank protection, green spaces, walking and recreational facilities, fitness infrastructure and other civic amenities. Government-related reports have put the project cost at around Rs.96 crore, while some reports have referred to a project value of approximately Rs.100 crore.
Among the issues requiring verification, according to the Opposition's demand, is whether all proposed facilities, including bird habitats, natural forest or nature-trail related components and other recreational infrastructure—have been completed according to the approved plan.
Notably, Airport Road has emerged as another major focus of the demand for a White Paper.
The Airport Road project was conceived to upgrade and widen the existing road into a four-lane urban corridor. Earlier project documents had put the estimated value at around Rs.94.3 crore, while subsequent contract and government figures have cited different amounts, including approximately Rs.91.67 crore as the agreement value and around Rs.96.17 crore in government reporting.
This variation in figures has made financial disclosure particularly important.
A White Paper, according to the demand, should clearly establish the approved project cost, tender value, revised estimates, additional expenditure, actual expenditure and final financial liability.
Questions have also been raised over the physical completion of different elements of the Airport Road project. Critics have alleged that some portions of footpath work, including tiling and finishing, may still require completion.
There are also concerns regarding drainage manholes located along pedestrian pathways and whether all such openings have been properly secured. If any pedestrian infrastructure remains unfinished, questions arise regarding the safety and usability of the road corridor, particularly for elderly citizens, children and persons with disabilities.
Another issue requiring clarification is the status of underground utility infrastructure. Questions have been raised about whether water pipelines, electricity-related infrastructure and other utility works planned along the corridor have been completed before the final road and footpath works.
If utility installation remains incomplete and roads or footpaths subsequently have to be excavated, the Opposition argues that it could undermine the quality and durability of the newly developed infrastructure.
Accessibility is also part of the discussion. The Airport Road project is intended to create a modern urban corridor, but questions have been raised about whether its pedestrian infrastructure is adequately accessible to wheelchair users and whether cycling-related infrastructure included in the planning has been provided.
The demand for a White Paper therefore extends beyond allegations of incomplete construction. It seeks a project-by-project and component-by-component account of the entire implementation process.
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