Agartala, Oct 8: A commercial complex-cum-multi-level parking facility was inaugurated in Agartala on Thursday, with Chief Minister Manik Saha saying the project would help ease traffic congestion and address the city's parking woes.
The newly opened facility witnessed a large gathering of people soon after its inauguration, particularly at the commercial complex.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Saha said the project was aimed at providing modern urban infrastructure in the heart of Agartala and improving parking facilities in the city.
He said the foundation stone for the project was laid in 2022 and the work was monitored regularly to ensure its completion within the stipulated timeframe.
Saha said the area, which was earlier used as a motor stand, had faced several problems, including disputes involving vehicle owners and workers.
He said the state government was not against workers or vehicle owners and had made arrangements to protect their interests while providing designated facilities for parking and other requirements.
The chief minister said the government was working to introduce modern infrastructure in Agartala and had undertaken several development projects since 2018.
Highlighting the financing model of the project, Saha said the facility had been developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
He claimed the government did not incur expenditure on the project and instead received a land premium from the private investment company for use of the space. The government would also receive an annual fee, creating a regular source of revenue, he said.
Saha said the new multi-level parking facility would help reduce traffic congestion in Agartala and announced that action would be taken against illegal parking on roads to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
He said similar parking facilities were planned in other parts of the city.
The chief minister also highlighted employment opportunities generated by the project for local youth.
He said construction of a large 'Unity Mall' at Badharghat was underway and targeted for completion by March next year.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, Deputy Mayor Manika Das Dutta, Corporator Ratna Dutta, Chief Minister's Secretary Kiran Gitte, Urban Development Department Secretary Milind Ramteke and Municipal Commissioner Saju Wahid A., among others, attended the programme.
