Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha. File
| Photo Credit: ANI
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has proposed alternative international destinations if the connectivity between the State and Chittagong in south-east Bangladesh cannot be initiated now. He named Singapore and cities in Thailand for air connectivity where people of the State would have the opportunity to fly from the MBB Airport in Agartala.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of the Jana Kalyan Sibir (Public Welfare Camp) to mark the completion of 12 years of the NDA government here on Sunday (June 14, 2026). Union Minister for Waterways and Shipping Sarbanadna Sonowal was present at the occasion.
Mr. Sonowal, who spoke to the journalists, said that schemes and plans under the Act East Policy were being implemented to connect countries through waterways. He said infrastructure has been created on the Gomati river in Sonamura in Tripura for establishing a river-based trade with Bangladesh.
The trade activities, however, remained suspended due to difficulties running even small ships for lack of water flow and depth. The Chief Minister also acknowledged the problem and said work will be done to improve the designated waterways.
On the question of connecting flight services between Agartala and the MBB Airport, Dr. Saha said he has submitted a proposal to make an alternative selection of destinations like Singapore and Thailand to allow people from the State to travel to destinations abroad.
The proposal is aimed at tagging the MBB Airport as the international airport, citing that the new terminal building has adequate facilities to be an international airport. Officials said promotion of tourism and business are the key motives.
On the opening of the welfare camp, the Chief Minister said people would be able to take advantage of various schemes of the Central and State Governments such as Ayshman Bharat, PM Surya Ghar, PM SVANidhi Scheme, VB-G Ram and more. Apart from this, this camp will have registration facilities for PRTC, birth and death certificates, and various assistance to the differently-abled people.
Published – June 15, 2026 03:40 am IST
