Agartala, May 20: In a major push to promote heritage tourism in Tripura, the state tourism department on Tuesday signed a lease agreement with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) to transform the historic Pushpabanta Palace in Agartala into a luxury five-star hotel under the renowned Taj brand.
The agreement was signed during a formal ceremony at Agartala Circuit House in the presence of Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury. Senior officials from the IHCL also participated in the event.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Minister Dr. Saha said the project marks a milestone in Tripura’s tourism development strategy. “This heritage hotel will elevate Tripura’s position on the national and international tourism map. With IHCL’s expertise and the grandeur of Pushpabanta Palace, this project will attract both domestic and foreign tourists,” he said.
Dr. Saha noted that the decision to utilize Pushpabanta Palace—a historically significant structure once used as the Governor’s residence—came after the Raj Bhavan was shifted to a new location. “Following the relocation, we envisioned utilizing the palace in a way that reflects our royal heritage while boosting economic and tourism potential,” he added.
The upcoming hotel will feature around 100 rooms, including four exclusive palace-themed suites. The project is expected to be completed within the next 2 to 3 years.
Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, the Chief Minister said the project will create a large number of job opportunities for the local youth and promote associated businesses. “It’s not just about building a hotel—it’s about creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits everyone,” he added.
Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury described the agreement as a “historic beginning” and praised the Chief Minister for his proactive role in turning the vision into reality.
The IHCL’s investment in Tripura is seen as a vote of confidence in the state’s untapped tourism potential. Once operational, the Taj Pushpabanta Palace is expected to become a premier heritage hospitality destination in Northeast India.
