Tripura CM Manik Saha Announces Earthquake-Resilient Multi-Storey Building as Part of Bold Infrastructure Drive

Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on July 18 announced a transformative initiative in the state's infrastructure development, with the construction of a cutting-edge, earthquake-resilient multi-storey office complex. Speaking at a seminar organized by the Indian Building Congress focused on infrastructure development in the Northeast, Dr. Saha emphasized the strategic and technical advancements driving Tripura’s infrastructure planning.

Addressing the state's high seismic vulnerability, the Chief Minister highlighted the challenges of constructing tall buildings in such zones. However, he noted that state engineers have courageously accepted this challenge by integrating advanced base isolation technology. The new structure, a 14-storey building to be constructed at Gurkhabasti, will use a triple friction pendulum system capable of withstanding earthquakes measuring up to 8.5 on the Richter scale. This initiative marks a significant step in blending structural innovation with administrative efficiency, as the building will also house multiple scattered government departments under one roof.

To reinforce the state’s modernization goals, Dr. Saha revealed that the Tripura government has allocated an unprecedented ₹7,000 crore in the current fiscal budget specifically for infrastructure development. This major investment aims to overhaul the state’s transportation and public infrastructure landscape. The Chief Minister detailed several connectivity-related upgrades, including a plan to link all district and sub-divisional headquarters with the national highway network. A key component of this plan includes the replacement of 256 old bally bridges with durable reinforced cement concrete (RCC) bridges, thus enhancing both safety and transport efficiency.

Furthermore, under the Bharat Mala scheme, the state has proposed the development of a 449-kilometer ring road project around Agartala. This initiative is expected to reduce urban congestion and facilitate smoother movement around the capital city and surrounding areas.

Dr. Saha also touched upon the ongoing development of Tripura’s national highway infrastructure. He reported that Tripura currently has 923 kilometers of national highways, and an additional 229 kilometers are awaiting final approval. Among the existing network, 509 kilometers have already been upgraded to double-lane roads, improving both safety and transport speed across the state.

To address urban congestion in Agartala specifically, a new flyover is under construction, which will connect Radhanagar to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital. This is seen as a crucial intervention to ease traffic bottlenecks in the capital.

In his concluding remarks, CM Saha praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, underlining the dramatic transformation taking place across the Northeast region. He highlighted Tripura’s strategic geographic position, especially its proximity to Bangladesh, which presents unique advantages in developing trade connectivity with Southeast Asia. He also acknowledged the role of expanding railway connectivity, which is helping integrate Tripura more effectively with the rest of India.

Overall, the Chief Minister’s announcements reflect Tripura’s bold push to not only modernize its infrastructure but also position itself as a key hub in regional trade and connectivity, while ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainable urban growth.