In a significant push towards accelerating infrastructure development in the Northeast, Rajya Sabha MP from Tripura and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has urged the central government to expedite the lighthouse housing project in Tripura by releasing additional funds. The meeting between Deb and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs took place in New Delhi, where key development bottlenecks, funding gaps, and the status of the Global Housing Technology Challenge-India (GHTC-India) initiative were discussed in detail.
The “Light House Project” (LHP) in Tripura’s capital Agartala is one of six such ambitious initiatives across India, launched under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) scheme, with the goal of promoting innovative construction technologies. Biplab Kumar Deb’s intervention is being seen as a proactive measure to ensure the timely completion of the project, which has faced delays due to fund allocation issues, monsoonal disruptions, and logistical hurdles in importing technology-specific materials.
Deb calls for fast-tracking Northeast’s housing revolution
During his meeting with the Union Minister, Biplab Kumar Deb emphasized that the LHP-Agartala is not just a housing scheme but a symbol of modern, disaster-resilient, and sustainable urban development in the Northeastern region. “Agartala’s lighthouse project is of national importance, not just for Tripura. It is a technology demonstrator that must not be stalled due to fiscal bottlenecks,” Deb reportedly stated.
He also highlighted the logistical and climate-related challenges unique to the Northeast, which necessitate more flexible and region-specific policy execution and financial assistance. The Union Minister is said to have responded positively, assuring that necessary steps will be taken after a detailed review by the concerned departments.
Light House Projects: A brief overview
| State/UT | Location | Technology Used | Units Planned | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tripura | Agartala | Prefabricated sandwich panel system | 1,000 | Under progress |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai | Precast concrete system | 1,152 | Nearing completion |
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow | Monolithic concrete construction | 1,040 | Completed |
| Gujarat | Rajkot | Precast concrete with shear walls | 1,144 | Completed |
| Jharkhand | Ranchi | 3D Precast volumetric system | 1,008 | Under progress |
| Madhya Pradesh | Indore | Precast concrete panel system | 1,024 | Nearing completion |
Agartala LHP: Key project highlights
The Agartala lighthouse project, launched in 2021, is being built using pre-fabricated sandwich panel technology imported from Finland. It promises higher seismic resistance, energy efficiency, and faster completion time compared to traditional construction methods. The homes are part of an affordable housing cluster for economically weaker sections (EWS) and low-income groups (LIG).
Deb informed the Union Minister that while over 70% of the civil work has been completed, the lack of additional funds has hindered further progress in electrical fittings, water connectivity, sewage systems, and landscaping. He reiterated that the project, once completed, will serve as a benchmark for green, modular construction across Eastern India.
Importance of additional funding
| Requirement Area | Estimated Additional Funds Needed (in ₹ crore) |
|---|---|
| Internal infrastructure (plumbing, electrification) | 22.5 |
| Landscaping and site development | 8.7 |
| Rainwater harvesting and waste management | 4.3 |
| Import logistics for remaining panels | 5.1 |
| Technical training for local labour | 2.2 |
| Total | 42.8 |
Biplab Kumar Deb urged for a release of ₹42.8 crore as supplementary funding, detailing how this would not only fast-track the completion but also generate around 3,000 job opportunities in construction, engineering, plumbing, and electrical services.
Broader implications for Tripura’s urban planning
The successful execution of the lighthouse project is expected to trigger a cascading effect in Tripura’s urban policy framework. The state government has planned to replicate similar technology for upcoming smart township projects in Udaipur, Dharmanagar, and Ambassa. Furthermore, the LHP is likely to act as a catalyst in training local youth in new-age construction technologies, opening doors for employment and entrepreneurship in infrastructure-related sectors.
Biplab Kumar Deb also proposed setting up a Centre for Excellence in Innovative Housing Technologies in Tripura to align with India’s long-term goal of housing for all by 2025. He stated, “We need to convert our housing sites into campuses of learning. If the lighthouse project is implemented effectively, Tripura can become a technology hub in the region.”
Centre’s roadmap for urban infrastructure in Northeast
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is in the process of reviewing state-wise progress of all LHPs and has flagged Agartala and Ranchi as the two sites needing immediate attention. The Centre has also identified key focus areas for the Northeast in the coming months:
| Focus Area | Objective |
|---|---|
| Accelerated completion of LHP | Complete by FY 2025 with sustainability focus |
| Capacity building | Train 10,000+ workers in modern construction by 2026 |
| Urban infrastructure connectivity | Improve linkages to housing sites through PM Gati Shakti |
| Green housing certification | All LHP units to receive IGBC/GRIHA certification |
| Fiscal support | Flexible funding norms based on regional challenges |
Local response and future outlook
The people of Tripura, especially beneficiaries of the EWS and LIG categories, have expressed hope after Deb’s intervention. Many local stakeholders believe that his direct involvement may finally help complete the project that had been slowed down by bureaucratic inertia.
Local civic groups and municipal officers have echoed the need for Centre-State coordination. “If the funds are sanctioned soon, we can target occupancy by mid-2026. The infrastructure is largely in place, but systems and finishings remain,” said a senior municipal engineer.
With Tripura on the cusp of a major urban transformation, the lighthouse project stands as both a symbol of aspiration and a test case for the viability of global construction technologies in India’s smaller cities.
Conclusion
Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb’s meeting with the Union Minister is a pivotal moment in ensuring timely delivery of the Agartala Light House Project. His firm push for additional funding is not only crucial for project execution but is also symbolic of the state’s ambition to align with national development models. As the Centre reviews funding mechanisms and technological hand-holding, Agartala’s success or delay will set the tone for similar initiatives across the Northeast.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It reflects the latest developments and statements made by public representatives regarding ongoing government projects. Readers are advised to refer to official ministry publications and press releases for verified updates. No responsibility is assumed for policy changes or administrative decisions made after this publication.
