AGARTALA, June 14, 2026: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways
(MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal said Tripura has emerged as an important contributor to the Northeast’s development story under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, citing improvements in connectivity, infrastructure, governance and economic opportunities over the past decade. Sonowal was in Agartala as part of programmes marking 12 years of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. During his visit, he participatedin a citizens’ interaction programme, visited an exhibition showcasing the
Centre’s initiatives, joined the Pragati Path Yatra, reviewed the ongoing construction of a high-rise government office complex at Gurkhabasti, and
planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
Tripura Chief Minister Prof (Dr) Manik Saha, Agartala Mayor & MLA Dipak Majumder, MLA Abhishek Debroy were among those present during various events.
Addressing the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan’ and an interaction with
eminent citizens, Sonowal said the Modi government’s 12-year journey had
been defined by “Vishwas, Vikas and Jan Kalyan”, with governance becoming
more transparent, technology-driven and citizen-centric.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s leadership has transformed India from a
nation of hesitation into a nation of confidence. The last 12 years have brought
development, welfare and opportunity to every corner of the country, including
the Northeast,” Sonowal said.
Referring to Tripura’s development trajectory, the Union minister said
improvements in roads, railways, digital connectivity and public infrastructure
had helped integrate the state more closely with national and international
markets.
“Tripura is scripting a new chapter of growth. What once seemed difficult to
achieve is now becoming reality as the state advances on the path of
development and prosperity,” Sonowal said.
Sonowal highlighted the growing international recognition of Tripura’s
agricultural products, particularly the state’s famed Queen pineapple, & said
improved connectivity and market access had helped local farmers from NER
reach new markets.
“The Prime Minister’s focus on infrastructure, connectivity and economic
empowerment has enabled products from the Northeast, including Tripura’s
world-class pineapples, to find opportunities in international markets, benefiting
farmers and rural communities,” the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.
The Union minister also spoke about the government’s efforts to empower
women and youth through welfare schemes, entrepreneurship initiatives, skill
development programmes and direct benefit transfers.
“
Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti are playing a central role in India’s development
journey. Young people today have greater opportunities in innovation, startups
and enterprise, while women have become active participants in economic and
social transformation,” Sarbananda Sonowal said.
Speaking on the Northeast’s transformation, he said the region had moved from
the margins to the mainstream of national development and was now
recognised as a strategic growth centre and India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.
“The Northeast is now being viewed as the new engine of India’s economic
growth. Enhanced connectivity, peace accords, infrastructure investments and
people-centric governance have unlocked the immense potential of the region,”
Sonowal said.
As part of the Pragati Path Yatra, Sonowal reviewed the ongoing construction of
the new high-rise office building at Gurkhabasti in Agartala. Sonowal said
improved governance and seamless public service delivery had been among the
defining features of the Narendra Modi-led government and noted that the
project would strengthen administrative efficiency and citizen services upon
completion. Sonowal also lauded Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha for his
leadership in accelerating infrastructure development and governance reforms
in the state. “Improved governance and seamless public service delivery have
been among the defining features of the Modi government. This facility will help
bring administration closer to the people,” Sonowal said.
Sarbananda Sonowal also planted a sapling at Nutannagar Girls’ Higher
Secondary School under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. Describing the
campaign as a tribute to both mothers & nature, Sonowal said environmental
conservation must remain an integral part of India’s development journey.
The Union minister said the past 12 years had laid a strong foundation for the
vision of a developed India by 2047 and called upon citizens to actively
participate in nation-building efforts during the Amrit Kaal period.
