Agartala, June 14 (IANS) Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday said that Tripura has emerged as a key contributor to the Northeast’s development journey under PM Modi’s leadership, attributing the state’s progress to significant improvements in connectivity, infrastructure, governance and economic opportunities over the past decade.

Union Minister Sonowal was in Tripura as part of programmes marking 12 years of the PM Modi-led government at the Centre.

During his visit, the minister participated in a citizens’ interaction programme, visited an exhibition showcasing the Centre’s initiatives, joined the Pragati Path Yatra, reviewed the ongoing construction of a high-rise government office complex at Gurkhabasti, and planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Addressing the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan’ and an interaction with eminent citizens, Sonowal said the Modi government’s 12-year journey had been defined by “Vishwas, Vikas and Jan Kalyan”, with governance becoming more transparent, technology-driven and citizen-centric.

“PM Modi’s leadership has transformed India from a nation of hesitation into a nation of confidence. The last 12 years have brought development, welfare and opportunity to every corner of the country, including the Northeast,” Sonowal said.

Referring to Tripura’s development trajectory, the Union Minister said improvements in roads, railways, digital connectivity and public infrastructure had helped integrate the state more closely with national and international markets.

“Tripura is scripting a new chapter of growth. What once seemed difficult to achieve is now becoming reality as the state advances on the path of development and prosperity,” Sonowal said.

Sonowal highlighted the growing international recognition of Tripura’s agricultural products, particularly the state’s famed Queen pineapple, and said improved connectivity and market access had helped local farmers from the Northeast region reach new markets.

“PM Modi’s focus on infrastructure, connectivity and economic empowerment has enabled products from the Northeast, including Tripura’s world-class pineapples, to find opportunities in international markets, benefiting farmers and rural communities,” the Union Minister said.

He also spoke about the government’s efforts to empower women and youth through welfare schemes, entrepreneurship initiatives, skill development programmes and direct benefit transfers.

“‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Yuva Shakti’ are playing a central role in India’s development journey. Young people today have greater opportunities in innovation, start-ups and enterprise, while women have become active participants in economic and social transformation,” Sonowal noted.

Speaking on the Northeast’s transformation, he said the region had moved from the margins to the mainstream of national development and was now recognised as a strategic growth centre and India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.

“The Northeast is now being viewed as the new engine of India’s economic growth. Enhanced connectivity, peace accords, infrastructure investments and people-centric governance have unlocked the immense potential of the region,” Sonowal said.

As part of the Pragati Path Yatra, Sonowal reviewed the ongoing construction of the new high-rise office building at Gurkhabasti in Agartala.

He said improved governance and seamless public service delivery had been among the defining features of the PM Modi-led government and noted that the project would strengthen administrative efficiency and citizen services upon completion.

The Union Minister also lauded Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha for his leadership in accelerating infrastructure development and governance reforms in the state.

“Improved governance and seamless public service delivery have been among the defining features of the Modi government. This facility will help bring administration closer to the people,” Sonowal said.

The Union Minister also planted a sapling at Nutannagar Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Gomati district under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.

Describing the campaign as a tribute to both mothers and nature, Sonowal said environmental conservation must remain an integral part of India’s development journey.

The Union Minister said the past 12 years had laid a strong foundation for the vision of a developed India by 2047 and called upon citizens to actively participate in nation-building efforts during the Amrit Kaal period.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, and BJP state President Abhishek Debroy were among those present during the various events.

–IANS

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