Minister of DoNER, Tourism and Culture Shri G Kishan Reddy conducted a two-day visit to Tripura on the 11^th and 12^th of April 2023. Shri G. Kishan Reddy,  Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation for a slew of development projects, virtually from the New Secretariat in Agartala. He inaugurated the Upgradation of the Road Section From Udaipur to Melgarh at the project cost of Rs. 140 Cr and the expansion of Longtharai Valley Sub Divisional Hospital at Chailengta. Minister also laid the foundation stones for key projects related to education and skill development.

Minister said that the establishment of the North East Region as the growth engine of the nation is  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji's grand vision and we are steadily moving towards that goal. Over the last 9 years, the region has witnessed a paradigm change with the narrative changing from insurgency, political instability and bandhs to development, growth and prosperity. He pointed out that the Vibrant Village program has been launched and we are ensuring all-round development in border villages to establish them as hubs of growth and trade. He further elucidated the achievements with respect to massive connectivity projects. He said that over 1.06 lakh crore road projects are underway in the region, 78000 crores are being spent for railway connectivity and work on 121 railway projects is ongoing. He also said that until 2014 North East Region had only 9 airports and now it has risen to 17 projects. He also said that the government is also working towards the target of complete telecom connectivity in 500 days.

Minister also reviewed the implementation of central government schemes in the State of Tripura jointly with Chief Minister of Tripura. He assured complete support to the State for ensuring maximum coverage of the schemes and their complete saturation. He ensured that the Ministry of DoNER will extend complete support for coordination with the line ministries. Shri G. Kishan Reddy also reviewed the progress of the construction and temple complex and the development of the Tripura Sundari Temple under the PRASAD scheme.

Minister also visited the Agartala Akhaura Railway Project site on day two of his visit to Agartala. Shri G. Kishan Reddy visited the Agartala Railway Station, Nischintpur Yard and the Zero Point of the Agartala Akhaura Railway Project. Shri Kishan Reddy interacted with officials stationed at all points and exhorted them to work at an accelerated pace and ensure completion at the designated date.

Shri Kishan Reddy interacted with the officials and assured all possible support for ensuring the timely completion of the project. Shri G. Kishan Reddy said that the Agartala Akhaura Railway Project will prove to be a game changer and boost trade, tourism and cultural ties between India and Bangladesh. He further added that the Railway would reduce the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka from 31 hrs to 10 hrs and accelerate economic progress across the region and promote mobility. He said the Agartala Akhaura Railway Project is vital to the Act East policy.

During his two-day visit, Minister also attended the third India-Japan Intellectual Conclave organized by the Asia Confluence Think Tank. He said that the North East is India's window to South East Asia and a fundamental pillar of India's Act East Policy. India and Japan are civilizational partners since time immemorial. We need to work together to further enhance our cultural contacts, he said. He further added that the government of India under the leadership of Narendra Modiji has taken concrete steps under the ‘Act East Policy’ and we are committed to a deep and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh and Japan.

Minister also reviewed the working of the Ministry of Culture departments in the State and interacted with officials from regional offices of the Archaeological Survey of India among others.

Shri G Kishan Reddy also attended the North East Private security employability conclave organized by CAPSI. He said that as private security sector is one of the greatest employment-generating sectors and holds great potential in the region. He said that our youth from the North East are known for their professionalism, trustworthiness and hard-working nature worldwide. He urged the private security agency to provide world-class skilling opportunities to the youth to ensure better and more diverse employment opportunities.

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MG/RNM/RK