Agartala, March 14 (UNI): The Tripura government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) of TATA Group to build a world-class five-star heritage hotel in Pushpabanta Palace, the royal guest house of the Manikya dynasty.
The officials of Tripura Tourism and Industries & Commerce signed the agreement with IHCL on Friday in the presence of Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, Minister of Industries Santana Chakma, and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury. While the Chief Minister termed it a new era of development in the state, royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman welcomed the move to protect Tripura's history and heritage.
According to plan, IHCL will make the construction of 100 world class facility rooms and four exclusive rooms with a touch of Manikya dynasty. It marked a significant milestone for Tripura’s hospitality sector, and aims to propel the state’s tourism industry to new heights by introducing international standard accommodations and services.
“To retain the history and heritage of Tripura’s royal family, Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel, spread over 7.78 acres of land, is set to blend modern hospitality standards with the state’s rich historical essence. The original structure of the heritage-rich Pushpabanta Palace will be meticulously restored,” Dr Saha said.
The complex will serve as the hotel's reception and public area. Four regal-style suites will be developed within the main building, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of the erstwhile Manikya dynasty.
The estimated cost of the project is Rs 250 crore, signifying a major investment in Tripura’s hospitality infrastructure. 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. The influx of tourists is anticipated to drive revenue generation for local businesses, artisans, and service providers, fostering sustainable economic growth.
Meanwhile, Pradyot said that IHCL-Taj acknowledged and agreed to honour Article III of the Tripura Merger Agreement, signed in 1949 during accession with Indian union, which references the palace’s status as the property of the Maharaja of Tripura. The hotel will retain its original name and the heritage building will be restored.
He underlined that the history, culture, and traditions of the indigenous Tiprasa people would be prominently displayed to raise awareness among locals and visitors. “Consultation will take place with the Royal Family to ensure that the history and traditions are accurately represented,” Pradyot added.
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