Agartala, Oct 9 (IANS): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that a new multi-level parking and commercial complex would help address the traffic congestion and parking problems in Agartala and mark another important step towards developing modern civic infrastructure in the city.
While inaugurating the newly constructed multi-level car parking and commercial complex on Old Motor Stand Road in Agartala, CM Saha on Thursday added that the foundation stone for the project was laid in 2022 and that inquiries were made repeatedly about its progress to ensure that the work was completed within the stipulated time frame.
Finally, the project was completed on time and became operational on Thursday, he said, adding that the Old Motor Stand area had once become a centre of chaos and faced various kinds of problems.
“In the past, land was forcibly occupied in the name of party unions, and an environment of unnecessary agitation was created by creating divisions between car owners and workers. But with the change of time, that situation has also changed,” CM Saha said.
The Chief Minister added that the state government was not against any worker or car owner and that proper arrangements were being made for their seating and parking while protecting their interests.
“By protecting their interests, proper arrangements are being made for their seating and parking. Along with this, the main goal of the current government is to develop the state by bringing a touch of modernity to the heart of Agartala city,” he said.
CM Saha said that since 2018, the state government had been implementing one development project after another as part of its efforts to improve infrastructure and civic amenities.
Mentioning the uniqueness of the project, the Chief Minister added that the multi-level car parking and commercial complex had been developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
“The government has not spent a single penny on the project. Rather, the private investment company has offered the government a land premium in exchange for the use of the space. As a result, the government has also created a permanent source of income by receiving an annual fee every year,” he said.
The Chief Minister also added that the introduction of the multi-level car parking facility would significantly reduce traffic congestion in Agartala city.
“Legal action will be taken against illegal parking on the roads so that traffic movement in the city remains normal. There are plans to develop similar parking systems in several other areas of the city,” he said.
CM Saha added that one of the major achievements of the project was the creation of employment opportunities for a large number of local youths.
He also said that work on the construction of a large ‘Unity Mall’ at Badharghat was underway and that the target had been set to complete it by March next year.
The event was attended by Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, Chief Minister’s Secretary Kiran Gitte, Urban Development Department Secretary Milind Ramteke, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Saju Wahid A. and others.
