Guwahati, Jan 25: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sunday laid the foundation stone of the ₹450-crore Matabari Tourism Circuit at Narkel Kunja near Dumbur Lake in Tripura, marking a major push to position the state on the global map of spiritual and eco-tourism.
The project is expected to generate 4,000–5,000 direct and indirect jobs, with 30 per cent participation of women, and actively involve self-help groups and local youth in tourism-linked livelihoods.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha joined the programme virtually, while state Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury was present at the venue.
Tourism, spirituality and livelihoods converge
Addressing the gathering, Scindia said the Matabari Tourism Circuit will integrate the Tripura Sundari Temple, Chabimura rock carvings and Dumbur Lake, creating a unified tourism corridor blending spirituality, nature and culture.
Of the total project cost, ₹276 crore will be funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). The circuit will feature floating jetties, eco-friendly resorts, modern visitor amenities and immersive cultural experiences aimed at giving the Dumbur region a distinct international tourism identity.
“We have not merely laid stones today; we have laid the foundation for future livelihoods,” Scindia said.
He added that alongside infrastructure, the project will focus on human resource development, with tour guides and hospitality workers to be trained at premier institutions.
₹750-crore development push for Tripura
The foundation-laying capped Scindia’s three-day visit to Tripura, during which he announced development projects worth ₹750 crore across tourism, infrastructure and agri-based value chains.
On the first day, projects worth ₹220 crore were inaugurated or launched in sectors including roads, healthcare, education and solar micro-grids. On the second day, Scindia laid the foundation stone for an ₹80-crore agarwood value chain project, aimed at boosting farmer incomes and enabling direct access to international markets.
Gateway to Southeast Asia
Describing Tripura as a “natural gateway to Southeast Asia,” the Union Minister said the state’s development reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Developed Northeast’, ‘Local to Global’ growth and the Act East Policy.
He praised the pristine beauty of Dumbur Lake—its tranquil waters, forested islands and serene landscape—along with the warmth and hospitality of Tripura’s people, calling these the state’s greatest tourism assets.
Green Gold’ for the Northeast
Scindia also announced that 22 projects have been approved to promote engineered bamboo across the Northeast under the “Green Gold” initiative, aimed at strengthening the regional economy while ensuring environmentally sustainable development.
He expressed confidence that tourism, agarwood, bamboo and infrastructure will together drive Tripura’s transformation into a self-reliant growth hub in Northeast India.
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