Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb has brought Tripura’s infrastructure and development issues into focus in Parliament, raising 57 questions concerning the state during the recently concluded session. Of these, 15 questions were formally accepted, with the condition of national highways emerging as one of his key concerns.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Deb expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of several highways in Tripura. He attributed the damage partly to the devastating floods of 2024 and also pointed to alleged negligence on the part of contractors involved in road construction and maintenance.
The MP stressed the need for durable road infrastructure and urged the Centre to consider replacing conventional bitumen roads with concrete roads in vulnerable stretches. He said he has proposed a pilot project for concrete road construction on the Udaipur–Amarpur route.
“The initial cost may be higher, but concrete roads will serve the people for decades,” Deb said, emphasizing the long-term benefits of investing in stronger infrastructure.
Highlighting his development initiatives, Deb said Rs 15.76 crore under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) had been utilized for various projects across Tripura during his tenure in both Houses of Parliament. He added that 24 beneficiaries from the state received financial assistance of Rs 56.90 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund under his quota.
Deb also outlined several tourism proposals aimed at generating employment and strengthening the state’s economy. These include projects worth Rs 30 crore covering Daityeshwari Kalibari, Belonia and Jolaibari, besides a Rs 140-crore proposal for Majlishpur in Jirania.
Special attention, he said, is required for the development of Unakoti as a major heritage tourism destination. Deb called for infrastructure such as boundary walls, cafeterias, sanitation facilities, better connectivity and conservation measures alongside restoration of the historic sculptures.
The MP said his parliamentary interventions also covered rail connectivity, education, fertilizers, natural gas, mineral resources and fisheries.
Deb assured that he would continue coordinating with the Centre and the Tripura government to expedite unfinished national highway projects and other development initiatives. He also referred to legislation passed during the Parliament session, including the FCRA amendment, while reiterating his commitment to pursuing infrastructure and tourism projects for Tripura.
