VP launches Rs439Cr worth climate-resilient road project in Tripura

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday launched Rs439 crore worth climate-resilient project in Tripura during a civic reception hosted by the state government. Pitching the importance of rapid urbanisation, Naidu emphasised the need for people-centric urban planning and development. While attending a civic reception, the vice-president appreciated Tripura for vaccinating over 95% of its population against Covid-19 and lauded the initiatives to boost social and economic development of the state

Agartala: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday launched Rs439 crore worth climate resilient road project in Tripura that brings more connectivity in the northeastern state. The Vice-President also urged to view rapid urbanisation as an opportunity for development and emphasised the need to focus on people-centric urban planning and development.

Under the newly inaugurated project, the roads within Agartala city and those connecting the capital with its peripheral area will be converted into climate-resilient roads with an investment of Rs439 crore. The Project not only aims to decongest the city but will also provide better facilities to residents of Agartala by way of better lighting, footpaths, signage, storm water drains and a utility corridor, among others. “Together, these development initiatives will also improve public health by reducing urban floods and air quality,” Naidu said.

Emphasising that good connectivity is a prerequisite for the overall development of any region, he said that this is even more true in the case of our landlocked North-Eastern States.

“Connectivity—be it physical or digital, has to improve for investments to flow and economic activity to pick up pace,” he said, adding that “we must see that our cities are inclusive cities that cater to basic needs of the urban poor by increasing their access to water supply, sewer connections, housing and improved service delivery."

The Vice President made these remarks at a civic reception hosted in his honour by the Government of Tripura. Taking note of massive infrastructure development taking place in the Northeast region under the Act East Policy, the Vice President lauded the government of Tripura for the several initiatives it has taken to boost social and economic development of the state.

Naidu hoped that the government under Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Dev would keep working for the welfare of the people of Tripura. He also stressed on the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. “There should be no delay, deviation, dilution to the government funds”, the Vice President said.

Later, the Vice-President interacted with achievers from the primary sector, SHG members and frontline workers. Interacting with the healthcare workers, the Vice President lauded their services to the country during the pandemic and learnt about their experiences during the second wave.

Besides, the Chief Minister Of Tripura, Pratima Bhoumik, Union Minister Of State for the Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment, Jishnu Dev Varma, Deputy Chief Minister Of Tripura, Dr. Kumar Alok, Chief Secretary, Govt. Of Tripura and other dignitaries were present during the event.