Congress seeks disclosure of contract, shop allotment details of Agartala multi-level parking project
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 11, 2026
The Tripura Pradesh Congress on Saturday demanded that the state government disclose the financial details, contractual arrangements and shop allotment process of the multi-level car parking facility inaugurated in Agartala on October 8, raising questions over transparency, public expenditure and rehabilitation of existing shopkeepers.
Addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty said the government should make public the total project cost, the terms of any public-private partnership agreement, parking charges and the revenue expected to be generated from the facility.
He also sought details of the parking complex’s capacity, the facilities available and its expected contribution to easing traffic congestion in the capital.
Chakraborty questioned the allotment of shops and other commercial spaces within the complex, asking how many shops had been constructed, what businesses they were intended for and whether allotments had been made through advertisements, tenders or another transparent process. He also sought clarification on the respective roles of the state government and the Agartala Municipal Corporation in the project.
The Congress leader said the authorities should disclose how many local youths would be employed at the facility, the nature of the jobs available and the procedure for recruitment. He called for transparent hiring and consideration of local residents for employment in shops and other services associated with the complex.
The party also raised concerns over arrangements for auto-rickshaw drivers and existing businesses in the surrounding area. Chakraborty questioned whether adequate parking had been provided for customers arriving by cars and two-wheelers, how traffic would be regulated and where authorised auto-rickshaw drivers would be allowed to operate.
He alleged that the project had been inaugurated without adequately addressing the livelihood concerns of drivers operating from stands on either side of the facility.
The Congress spokesperson also sought clarity on the future of shops located along the road leading towards Netaji School, which he said had been operating for more than 50 years. He said the businesses supported several families and employees and demanded assurances on rehabilitation and protection of their livelihoods if they were required to vacate the premises.
Chakraborty questioned whether the existing shopkeepers would receive space in the market reportedly constructed for their rehabilitation. He also sought details of the funding and utilisation of money for the market, referring to claims that it had been built with central funds during the tenure of the previous municipal corporation.
Beyond the parking project, the Congress raised concerns over the state’s financial position, employment opportunities, food security, electricity tariffs and the utilisation of public funds.
Chakraborty cited reports of alleged irregularities in government expenditure since 2018, including questions over the accounting of cess collections, advances drawn for development projects and pending utilisation certificates. He also questioned the allocation of Rs 750 crore without, he alleged, sufficient clarity on the specific purposes for which the money would be spent.
On employment, he questioned the government’s development claims in the context of youths leaving Tripura in search of work. Referring to the recent death of a tribal youth from Dhalai district, he said bringing the body back was a humanitarian responsibility, but the circumstances that had forced the youth to leave the state for employment also required scrutiny.
The Congress further questioned electricity billing and tariff increases, as well as the adequacy of food security measures beyond festival-related announcements.
Chakraborty said the government should ensure transparency and accountability in public spending and demonstrate that development projects were delivering tangible benefits to residents. The state government’s response to the allegations was not available at the time of filing this report.
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