Mobile Edition
Regular Site
|
Weekly Blitz Mobile Edition Regular Site |
| Home | Archive | About | Search | |
by Prasenjit Chakraborty
September 25, 2008
 Send |
 RSS |
Share: 
 |
Agartala, India — Even a few years ago, Agartala was considered as one of the backward cities of India. It was often said to have lack of potential to keep pace of progress with modern world. Therefore, no need to mention, the capital city of the smallest state of north eastern region of the country, Tripura, carried a bad name for under development in almost all the fields of life.
But things changed rapidly in last one decade. Initiatives for progress gained ground and earned pace. Beside government sectors, private entrepreneurs too started playing pivotal role in bringing about a positive, far looking change in the scenario. As a result, a new era of prosperity began.
None can deny the fact that Agartala, despite having geo- strategically important location, surrounded by another sovereign nation on three sides, could not attract much attention of the national policy makers until recently for reasons unknown. Only a single instance to prove it will be enough, that is, it took around six decades to connect this city with mainland in country's railway map. Although, nowadays, union govt. is keen to make it a hub of development, particularly for promotion of import- export with neighboring countries.
Also it could be mentioned here that the investors from outside are considering it as reliable and viable destination for spending money in any sector of their choice. A few industrial houses from abroad have already expressed willingness to record their active presence by setting up production units. Japan Bank for International Cooperation has started spending a very big amount of money for generating employment. A big business group from United Arab Emirates has recently visited the state and witnessed the potential fields for investment. Two prominent business giants from Bangladesh expressed strong desire to participate in development process.
If we count the developmental projects implemented so in last half decade in the city, we will find two medical colleges, one central university, one national institute of technology and colleges of fishery and agriculture. Thinking about the need of the modern society , a city centre, several super markets have been set up. Number of good hotels including one star category hotel by prominent Taz Group are now seen in the city, equipped with latest available amenities, providing hospitality to the guests. Major roads have upgraded from broken to smooth condition giving much comfort to the passengers and walkers. These development in all the sectors have made the local people change their taste. They have been giving shops new shape, new private buildings are being made as the modern architecture demand.
To attract the entrepreneurs of inside and outside, the state govt. has set up an industrial growth centre at the city outskirts with all necessary facilities. TNGCL, a joint venture of governments of Tripura and Assam is providing pipeline gas service to the city dwellers to the kitchen for cooking purpose. Infrastructure for drinking water has been upgraded to some extent. A few modern housing complexes have been built by public as well as private sector entrepreneurs to meet up the growing demand for living space.
Export import with neighboring Bangladesh through Akhaura land customs station in Agartala has opened great opportunity for local unemployed youths exploit positive usages out of it. Rail connection has been extended up to Agartala, besides up gradation of existing national highway. International bus service from Agartala to Dhaka is, obviously, a matter of pride.
It could be rightly said that Agartala is now raising hope of faster development for not only people within it's own territorial boundary but also for outsiders.
receive the latest by email: subscribe to weekly blitz's free mailing list