In a major boost to religious tourism in Tripura, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday laid the foundation stone for two significant temple development projects — Maa Kasbeshwari Temple at Kamalasagar and Chaturdasha Devata Bari at Khayerpur.
Funded under the Asian Development Bank-supported scheme, the Maa Kasbeshwari Temple will receive an infrastructure upgrade worth Rs. 18.78 crore, while Rs. 13.63 crore will be invested in developing Chaturdasha Devata Bari.
These projects are part of a broader initiative to modernize and preserve religious heritage sites in the state, making them more accessible and tourist-friendly.
Speaking at the ceremony in Kasba, CM Saha said he has written to the central government requesting an increase in the Rs. 4000 crore cap on Externally Aided Projects for mainland states. “Development is progressing fast in Tripura, and this limit needs to be revised to avoid disruption of ongoing projects,” he noted.
The CM highlighted the historical importance of both temples — Kasbeshwari Temple established by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya and Chaturdasha Devata Bari by Maharaja Krishna Kishore Manikya — and emphasized the government’s commitment to reviving neglected religious and tourism sites.
He also mentioned the renovation of the approach road to Kasbeshwari Temple, completed at a cost of Rs. 34 crore, which has improved the 13-km access for visitors.
Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, also present at the event, emphasized the cultural and spiritual value of the temples and stated that the beautification efforts will attract more tourists and pilgrims, thereby promoting Tripura’s rich heritage.
MLA Ratan Chakraborty, Zilla Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Dutta, MLA Antara Sarkar Deb, Tourism Secretary U.K. Chakma, and other officials also attended the event.
