Massive Highway and Infrastructure Projects Underway in Tripura, But Sluggish Progress!

Jayanta Debnath

April 14, 2025   

Tripura is witnessing a massive infrastructure overhaul, especially in terms of national highway development and urban transformation. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is spearheading several road development projects across the state with the vision of enhancing both internal connectivity and cross-border trade with Bangladesh. However, the ground reality paints a mixed picture—while the long-term plans are ambitious, the current pace of execution is slow, and transparency is almost non-existent. As a result, the public continues to suffer amid incomplete roads, chaotic urban works, and widespread speculation about fund misuse.

 

Reportedly, the NHIDCL has been entrusted with the development of 830.9 km of national highways in Tripura. As of now:  284.45 km of road has been completed, 266.84 km is under construction and  279.56 km is still under DPR (Detailed Project Report) preparation. While a few stretches such as the Agartala-Sabroom four-lane highway, parts of the Kailashahar-Khowai road, and the Khayerpur-Amtali bypass are functional, but the majority of the other road infrastructure is stuck in various phases of delay. Poor diversions, dug-up stretches, and prolonged roadworks have made daily commuting a nightmare for residents.

 

In nearly every construction zone, especially in urban areas like Agartala Smart City project sites or along major highways, no signage boards are displayed. There is no information available about: Project name and objective, estimated cost, executing contractor/agency and project duration or expected completion date.  This alarming lack of transparency makes it impossible for citizens to be informed or monitor progress, raising questions about public accountability. This vacuum has allegedly enabled contractors to misuse public funds, with reports of poor-quality materials and extended timelines becoming the norm.

 

It is also reported that several major highway projects are under DPR preparation like  Agartala Eastern Bypass (10 km),  Kumarghat–Ambassa & Mungiakami–Champaknagar 2/4/6 Lane on NH-08 (88.5 km), Khowai–Teliamura–Amarpur–Harina NH-208 (134.9 km), Three bypasses on Udaipur–Sonamura Road (11 km) and Champaknagar–Amtali Road (30.148 km). These projects are crucial not only for intra-state connectivity but also for integrating Tripura into regional supply chains and trade routes.

 

Simultaneously, work is ongoing on the Udaipur to Srimantapur stretch, which spans 13.2 kilometers and holds strategic importance for international trade as it leads to the Srimantapur border check post. The Kailashahar-Kumarghat corridor is another key project under execution, covering 18.6 kilometers, intended to improve inter-district road connectivity in the north-eastern region of Tripura. Additionally, the Jolaibari to Belonia route, covering 21.412 kilometers, is under development. This corridor will further integrate with the Mahuri Ghat ICP, boosting cross-border trade.

 

A major portion of NHIDCL's work in the state is focused on improving the Manu to Simlung highway, which is being constructed in four distinct phases: Package I (16.077 kilometers), Package II (27.858 kilometers), Package III (20.248 kilometers), and Package IV (6.45 kilometers), forming a substantial part of the state's hilly road infrastructure network.

 

In and around Agartala, the Western Bypass project is progressing rapidly, with a total length of 25.402 kilometers. This bypass is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the state capital. Also in the vicinity, the Agartala to Khowai road (Package III) covering 14 kilometers, and Kailashahar to Khowai road – with Package I spanning 8.1 kilometers and Package IV extending 12 kilometers – are being developed to streamline east-west and north-south travel routes in Tripura.

 

An important component of NHIDCL's ongoing efforts is the construction of RCC bridges over the Gomati and Muhuri rivers, with a combined length of 1.877 kilometers. These bridges are critical for ensuring all-weather connectivity and safety, especially in flood-prone zones. These projects together represent a major transformation in Tripura’s road and bridge infrastructure, paving the way for better trade, tourism, and emergency mobility. However, timely completion and proper monitoring remain key challenges that need urgent administrative attention to ensure these infrastructure dreams become a reality on the ground.

 

Ongoing Projects in the State of Tripura by NHIDCL

 

  

Similarly, the Smart City project in Agartala has seen roads dug up for months for underground cabling, drainage, and footpath construction. But without coordination, many of these works remain half-finished although it is said in the state assembly that the 95 percent of the Agartala smart City projects work has already been done.

 

Amid slow work and unclear timelines, people across Tripura are demanding: Immediate installation of signboards with all project details, Regular updates on progress through digital platforms, Strict third-party audits to prevent misuse of funds and Public grievance redressal mechanisms for incomplete or poor-quality work.

 

Completed Projects in the State of Tripura by NHIDCL

  

 

   (Tripurainfo)

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