The Centre on Friday signed USD 100 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to improve urban services and tourism facilities in the northeastern state of Tripura.
Joint Secretary Department of Economic Affairs of Ministry of Finance Juhi Mukherjee and Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission Nilaya Mitash had signed the loan agreement.
The project will improve the municipal infrastructure and public services in urban local bodies (ULBs) along the main national highways in Tripura besides upgrading key tourism sites, said Juhi Mukherjee, adding that the project will support the state as a gateway to the northeast region by developing tourist destinations along highways and by improving urban governance and financial sustainability through improved resource mobilisation and credit worthiness.
The project will upgrade urban water supply systems by installing 42 kilometre (km) new transmission and distribution pipes, establish 4 new water treatment plants, and improve 55 km of storm water drains. It will improve 21 km of urban roads that will incorporate features that respond to the needs of the elderly, women, children, and differently-abled.
Through this project, ADB will help upgrade tourist destinations, such as the Chaturdash Devata Temple, Kasba Kalibari, and Neermahal Palace, by improving the amenities, rooms, landscaping, and making them more visitor- and gender-friendly destinations. It will establish a digital museum and a new adventure park.
A 10-year tourism business plan that will guide marketing, promotion, and attract the private sector will be developed, while the state’s tourism policy will be updated.
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