AGARTALA: Tripura government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) of TATA Group to build a world-class 5-star heritage hotel in Pushpabanta Palace, the royal guest house of Manikya dynasty.
At the beginning, Tripura royal scion and BJP’s ally in the government Pradyot Kishore Debbarman opposed the move of commercialization of heritage property and later, it was resolved after TATA Group agreed to honour Article III of the Tripura Merger Agreement, signed in 1949 during accession with Indian union. The world-class accommodation facility comprising 100 rooms with at least four exclusive rooms with royal touch will be built outside the main palace premises, ensuring a seamless fusion of heritage and contemporary luxury at the estimated cost of Rs 250 crore, said Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha attending the MoU signing ceremony along with Industries Minister Santana Chakma and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury. The Chief Minister underscored that the project would create employment opportunities for more than 200 residents, thereby contributing to the state’s socio-economic upliftment.
This was the first collaboration between the Tripura government and TATA Group in tourism and hospitality sector, and such initiatives align with the state’s broader vision of economic transformation and modernization, with a specific focus on attracting investment, “To retain the name of royal family it will be named as Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel and the construction will be spreading over 7.78 acres of land blending modern hospitality standards with the state’s rich historical essence,” Dr Saha said. The influx of tourists is anticipated to drive revenue generation for local businesses, artisans, and service providers, fostering sustainable economic growth.