Tripura, 30 Dec 2025: In a major initiative to beautify and preserve the historic character of Agartala city, Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday announced that the road stretch from Ujjayanta Palace to Maharajganj Bazar will be developed as a Heritage Corridor.
The announcement was made during an on-site inspection of the area. The Chief Minister also confirmed that the iconic Jackson Gate, a symbol of Tripura’s royal-era heritage, will be reconstructed in its original form.
The Jackson Gate, originally built in 1927, was demolished around 1980–81 due to increasing traffic congestion following population growth and a rise in vehicular movement. Emphasising the importance of restoring Tripura’s royal legacy, the Chief Minister said the present government is committed to reviving and honouring the state’s historical landmarks.
Speaking about the history of the structure, Dr. Saha said the gate was named after Sir Francis Stanley Jackson, then Governor of the Bengal Province, and was constructed by contractor Srinibas Saha. The gate was built over the Akhaura canal to welcome Tripura’s last ruling monarch, Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, during his coronation in 1927 and the royal durbar held in 1929.
Recalling his childhood memories, the Chief Minister noted that despite the demolition, the name “Jackson Gate” still appears on local signboards, even though the structure itself no longer exists. “People still ask where is the Jackson Gate? That is why we have decided to bring it back along with its history,” he said.
Under the heritage corridor project, all historically significant structures and memories from the royal era along the Rajbari–Maharajganj Bazar stretch will be conserved or reconstructed. The Urban Development Department will implement the corridor project, while the reconstruction of Jackson Gate will be undertaken by the Public Works Department. The Chief Minister added that tendering and construction work will begin shortly.
During the inspection, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder, Urban Development Department Secretary Kiran Gitte, Ward No. 20 Corporator Ratna Dutta, and other officials were present.
The project is expected to enhance Agartala’s cultural identity, boost heritage tourism, and reconnect citizens with the city’s royal past while modernising urban infrastructure.
