Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, laid the foundation stone of the ₹450 crore ‘Matabari Tourism Circuit’ at Narkel Kunja, Dumbur Lake, Tripura, on 25 January 2026, marking a major boost to the state’s tourism-led development. During his three-day visit to Tripura, the Union Minister announced development projects worth ₹750 crore, aimed at strengthening tourism, agarwood, infrastructure and livelihood opportunities. The programme was attended virtually by Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, while Tourism Minister Shri Sushanta Chowdhury was present at the venue.
Matabari Tourism Circuit to Integrate Spirituality, Nature and Livelihoods
Addressing the gathering, Shri Scindia said that the Matabari Tourism Circuit will connect three iconic destinations:
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Tripura Sundari Temple
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Chabimura
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Dumbur Lake
The project is being developed at a total cost of ₹450 crore, of which ₹276 crore is being contributed by the Ministry of DoNER. The circuit is designed to position Tripura prominently on the global map of spiritual tourism and eco-tourism.
Planned infrastructure under the project includes:
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Floating jetties
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Eco-friendly resorts
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Modern tourist facilities
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Immersive cultural experiences
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Sustainable tourism infrastructure
These developments are expected to give the Dumbur region a distinct international tourism identity.
Tourism Circuit to Generate 4,000–5,000 Jobs with Strong Women Participation
Calling the initiative a historic moment for Tripura, the Union Minister said:
“Today, we have not merely laid stones; we have laid the foundation for future livelihoods.”
He stated that the Matabari Tourism Circuit is expected to generate 4,000 to 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, with nearly 30% participation by women. The project will actively integrate:
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Self-help groups (SHGs)
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Local youth
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Community-based tourism enterprises
The initiative will also focus on human resource development, including training of tour guides at premier institutions to ensure professional standards in tourism services.
Dumbur Lake: A Rare Confluence of Nature, Culture and Spirituality
Praising the natural beauty of Dumbur Lake, Shri Scindia described the region as a unique confluence of:
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Tranquil waters
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Verdant islands
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Rich cultural heritage
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Deep spiritual significance
He highlighted the warmth, simplicity and hospitality of the people of Tripura as the state’s greatest strength, noting that these qualities will play a vital role in establishing Tripura as a global tourism destination.
“Tripura is a treasure that must be showcased to the world,” he remarked.
Tripura’s Development Aligned with PM’s Vision of Developed Northeast and Act East Policy
The Union Minister stated that Tripura’s transformation reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of:
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‘Developed Northeast’
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‘Local to Global’
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‘Act East Policy’
He said Tripura is increasingly emerging as a gateway to Southeast Asia, and praised the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha for ensuring strong Centre–State coordination, enabling the state to achieve accelerated development.
₹750 Crore Development Push During Three-Day Visit
The Matabari Tourism Circuit forms part of a broader development roadmap announced during Shri Scindia’s three-day visit:
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Day 1:
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Foundation stones and inaugurations for projects worth ₹220 crore
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Projects across roads, healthcare, education and solar micro-grids
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Day 2:
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Foundation stone laid for ₹80 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Project
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Focus on enhancing farmer incomes and enabling direct linkage with international markets
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Day 3:
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Foundation stone laid for ₹450 crore Matabari Tourism Circuit
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The Minister expressed confidence that Tripura will emerge as a self-reliant and economically vibrant state through focused growth in tourism, agarwood, bamboo and infrastructure.
‘Green Gold’: Bamboo to Strengthen Northeast’s Economy
Shri Scindia also announced that 22 projects have been approved to promote engineered bamboo in the Northeast, describing bamboo as “Green Gold”.
He said this initiative will:
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Strengthen the regional economy
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Promote environmentally sustainable development
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Create new livelihood opportunities
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Position the Northeast as a hub for bamboo-based industries
Conclusion
The ₹450 crore Matabari Tourism Circuit marks a transformative step in Tripura’s development journey. By integrating spirituality, ecology and livelihoods, the project is poised to reshape the state’s economic landscape. Coupled with investments in agarwood, infrastructure and sustainable industries, the ₹750 crore development push announced by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia signals a decisive momentum towards making Tripura a model of inclusive growth, sustainable tourism and economic self-reliance in the Northeast.
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Source: PIB
