Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia today that he has arrived here to inaugurate and lay foundation stone of projects worth Rs 540 crore.

Addressing the media, Scindia said his aunt, Maharani Padmaraje, was married to the Maharaja of Tripura, making the state close to his heart. “Tripura is a land with which I feel a very strong personal connection,” he said.

The Union Minister praised Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, calling him cooperative, visionary, forward-thinking, and determined in his efforts to ensure all-round development of the state. “I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with him for the progress of Tripura,” Scindia added.

Scindia announced that he arrived in Tripura with development projects worth nearly Rs 540 crore, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve to bring comprehensive development to Ashtalakshmi — the eight states of the North East, including the seven sisters and Sikkim.

Of the total allocation, projects worth Rs 220 crore will be inaugurated and foundation stones laid later in the day. 

These include three foundation stones and three inaugurations across sectors such as roads, health services, tourism, and power, funded by the Government of India for Tripura.

The Union Minister further informed that on Tuesday he will visit Dumboor, where he will jointly lay the foundation stone for the Matabari Tourism Circuit, a project worth around Rs 270 crore, along with the Chief Minister. He also said he would offer darshan at the Mata Tripura Sundari temple later in the evening.

Highlighting the government’s focus on diversified development, Scindia said a special pilot project on agarwood, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is also being taken up. “The Chief Minister and I have been working very seriously on this initiative,” he said.

Scindia stated that he will remain in Tripura for the next three days, during which he will review ongoing projects and participate in several development-related activities.