New Bypass and Greenfield Highway Plans Unveiled for Tripura
Agartala – A high‑level meeting on July 1 between Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha resulted in the announcement of several new road‑development initiatives aimed at transforming the state's transport landscape.
Key outcomes included the approval of a greenfield four‑lane highway that will run parallel to the existing railway corridor, cutting across the Atharamura and Longtharai hills. This route will feature multiple tunnels, offering a faster, safer alternative to the current alignment of NH‑8.
The central government also cleared the four‑lane alignment for the 130 km stretch of NH‑8 extending from the Assam border near Churaybadi to Champak Nagar. Land acquisition for this corridor is expected to commence shortly after the final alignment is shared with the state.
Tripura pledged to provide over 90 percent of the land required for the remaining segment of NH‑8, from Ranirbazar to the ISBT at Chandrapur, by August 2026, along with completing utility relocation. Following land acquisition, NHIDCL will issue tenders for construction.
In addition, a detailed project report for upgrading the Agartala‑Udaipur section of NH‑8 to a four‑lane highway is nearing completion, with alignment finalisation targeted for August 2026.
A 24 km spur connecting Udaipur and Amarapur will be upgraded to national‑highway standards, improving connectivity to major tourist attractions such as the Tripura Sundari Temple and the Chaibimura‑Dambur lake gateway.
The state will also embark on the 148 km Kamalpur‑Ambasa‑Gandachera‑Shantirbazar road, deemed vital for tourism, trade and the burgeoning natural‑gas sector.
Urban mobility enhancements feature prominently, with a 25 km western bypass around Agartala set to be tendered soon, complete with service lanes to ease city traffic. A complementary 10 km eastern bypass linking Lemuchera and Khairpur will be constructed as a four‑lane road once alignment and land acquisition are completed.
A comprehensive review of current highway conditions identified acute degradation on NH‑108B (Agartala‑Khowai), NH‑208 (Kumarghat‑Kailashahar and Kailashahar‑Khowai), and NH‑208A (Kailashahar‑Kurtia Bridge). The decision was taken to rebuild these sections following Central Road Research Institute recommendations.
Addressing monsoon‑related challenges, the chief minister stressed the importance of proper drainage and retaining walls along highway embankments to mitigate flood and landslide risks. Discussions with the Assam government are underway to widen the Kurtia Bridge‑Chandkhira spur from seven to ten metres.
Tripura assured the Ministry of full cooperation for timely land acquisition, forest clearances and utility shifting to ensure seamless project execution.
Representatives present included the Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHIDCL Managing Director Krishna Kumar, and senior officials from Tripura's Public Works Department and the National Highway Division.
Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed gratitude to Minister Gadkari for the record approvals, including the Agartala Ring Road, emphasizing their impact on strengthening infrastructure, attracting investment, and boosting regional connectivity.