Tripura Focuses on Kamalpur-Santirbazar Road for National Highway Development
The Tripura government is putting significant emphasis on the development of the Kamalpur-Santirbazar road to achieve national highway status. This project is expected to be a major catalyst for the socio-economic development of the region, particularly benefiting the tribal communities in the districts of Dhalai, Gomati, and South Tripura. The state currently boasts six national highways, covering a total of 923.31 km, and the central government has approved the in-principle development of four additional highways in Tripura. However, the Kamalpur-Santirbazar stretch has been prioritised as a key project to enhance regional connectivity.
P. Jamatia, Chief Engineer of National Highways in Tripura, highlighted the strategic importance of this 148 km road. Once completed, it will reduce the journey between Ambassa in Dhalai district and Sabroom in South Tripura from 300 km to 200 km, drastically cutting down travel time and enhancing accessibility between the two regions. This development is also expected to boost tourism, as the road will pass through several key tourist destinations such as Dumbur, Narikel Kunja, and Chhabimura. The latter, known for its ancient rock carvings along the Gomati River, attracts history enthusiasts, while Dumbur is celebrated for its picturesque waterbody. These destinations, once connected by a well-developed road, will see an influx of tourists, benefiting the local economy.
The Sabroom area, located near the Bangladesh border, has already been positioned as a critical gateway to Southeast Asia. This is evident through the construction of Maitri Setu, an integrated check post, and the development of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the region. The proximity to Bangladesh’s Chittagong port, located just 70 km away, further increases the strategic importance of this area for trade and commerce. Jamatia shared that the project for developing the Kamalpur-Santirbazar road has been estimated at ₹2,000 crore. The next step in the process is the completion of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which is expected to be ready within six months once the Centre grants approval. The project will not only improve connectivity but is also seen as an essential step toward the region’s economic progress and development. The tripartite focus on improving infrastructure, reducing travel times, and enhancing tourism prospects marks the Kamalpur-Santirbazar road development as an important part of Tripura’s growth strategy. As the state continues to push for a broader national highway network, this project stands out as one that will bring tangible benefits to the people of Tripura, connecting them more closely with the rest of India and beyond.
