Concerns over Tripura govt decision to turn Pushpabanta Palace into luxury hotel

Agartala, March 14: The Tripura government’s decision to convert the historic Pushpabanta Palace into a luxury hotel has drawn both praise and criticism. While Chief Minister Manik Saha hailed the move as a step toward making Tripura a global tourism destination, opposition parties and tribal groups have raised concerns over the palace’s heritage.

Built in 1917 by Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya, Pushpabanta Palace—also known as Kunjaban Palace—served as the Governor’s residence after Tripura’s merger with India until 2018. Initially, it was set to be developed as a national-level digital cultural museum, with President Droupadi Murmu laying the foundation stone on October 14, 2022. However, the state government has now opted to repurpose it as a high-end hotel.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday between the Tripura government and Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a Tata Group subsidiary. Kiran Gitte, Secretary of Industries & Commerce, signed on behalf of the state, while Jayanta Das, Area Director & General Manager of IHCL, represented the company. The signing took place at the Tripura Institution for Transformation in the presence of Chief Minister Saha, Industry Minister Santana Chakma, and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury.

Calling the agreement a “historic milestone,” CM Saha emphasized that this is the first instance of IHCL partnering with a government to develop a royal heritage hotel. He asserted that the project aligns with Tripura’s modernization vision, promising 200 direct jobs, additional indirect employment, and a boost to tourism, all while preserving the Manikya dynasty’s legacy. Addressing concerns, he noted that extensive discussions were held before finalizing the agreement.

Despite the government’s assurances, opposition parties, including the CPIM and Congress, have demanded that the palace be preserved as a heritage site rather than converted into a hotel. BJP ally Tipra Motha’s chief, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, has also voiced his opposition to the plan.

Under the MoU, IHCL will invest ₹250 crore to develop a five-star property—Taj Pushpabanta Palace—under the Taj Palace brand. The hotel will feature approximately 100 rooms, with most accommodations built outside the heritage structure. A few signature suites will be housed within the palace to retain its regal charm.

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