Agartala, Oct 8: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated a commercial complex-cum-multi-level parking facility in Agartala, saying the project would help ease traffic congestion and address the city’s parking requirements.
The newly inaugurated facility attracted a large number of visitors soon after it was opened, particularly the commercial complex, officials said.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Saha said the project was aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure and providing modern facilities to residents in the heart of Agartala.
He said the foundation stone for the project was laid in 2022 and the work was regularly monitored to ensure that it was completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Referring to the site’s earlier use as a motor stand, Saha said the area had faced various problems and disputes involving vehicle owners and workers.
He said the state government was committed to safeguarding the interests of workers and vehicle owners while ensuring proper arrangements for parking and related facilities.
Saha said the government had undertaken several development initiatives since 2018 with the objective of improving infrastructure and introducing modern facilities in Agartala.
Explaining the project’s financial model, the chief minister said the facility had been developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
He said the government had not spent money on construction of the facility and had instead received a land premium from the private investment company for use of the site. The government would also receive an annual fee from the project, creating a regular source of revenue, he said.
Saha said the multi-level parking facility would help reduce traffic congestion and improve vehicular movement in the city.
He said action would be taken against illegal parking on roads and similar parking facilities would be developed at other locations in Agartala.
The chief minister also said the project had created employment opportunities for local youths.
He said work on a large ‘Unity Mall’ at Badharghat was underway and the government had set a target to complete it 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.
