A Review on the Industrial Growth in Tripura

Dr. Kishan Choudhuri

1998- Mechanical Engineering Batch
Presently: Assistant Professor, NIT Agartala
Email ID: kishanchoudhuri@gmail.com

Tripura is a small state located in the northeast side of India. The major landforms of
the state are hilly (about 70%) and the rest are more or less plane. It shares borders with
Bangladesh, Mizoram, and Assam. The length of its international border with Bangladesh is
856 km (84 percent of its total border) [1]. Tripura is home to diverse ethnic groups. Some
prominent ones include the Bengalis, Tripuris, Reangs, Jamatia, Chakmas, and Moghs. Each
group contributes to the rich cultural heritage of the state. After Indian independence,
significant immigration of Bengali people to Tripura occurred, impacting the state's
demographic and socio-cultural landscape. This migration was driven by mainly partition-
related displacements [2].

Tripura is connected with Assam and Mizoram on its north-east side. Its position on
the Indian map shows that in railways and roadways, the capital Agartala is situated a long
distance from the mainland of India. Agartala got connected with the train first in 2008 means
after 61 years of Independence. The infrastructural development of any place is mostly
dependent on its condition of transportation and Tripura is far behind in this aspect. The result
is, there are very few industries developed in Tripura compared to other parts of India. The
scenario of industries in Tripura would have been in a better state if the policies of the
government had an emphasis on the development of transportation during the last quarter of
the last century. Although, during the last decade, the condition of transportation in Tripura has
improved a lot. During this time metre gauge railway track is converted to broad gauge and for
that different good trains as well as express trains are connected with the capital of Tripura.
Also during the last decade, the central government has taken the initiative to construct
highways in the state. As a result, a highway is already constructed from Agartala to Sabroom,
the farthest town on the south side of the state. Also the Agartala to Assam highway
construction is under process and in the status of almost completion. The first flyover in Tripura
called Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Flyover in Agartala, was inaugurated in 2018.
In the landlocked state, the only easy travelling to the mainland of India is through airways and
this is very expensive to common people. This problem of transportation also stands in the way
of keeping good talented people in the state for the long term. In this context, the good news is
India and Bangladesh have come together to develop a railway connection between Agartala
and Kolkata through Bangladesh and it will be started shortly. We can envisage major industrial
growth in the state in the coming years.

Tripura has a lot of opportunities where industrial growth would have been possible
but due to problems in transportation and others, the desired outcome is yet to be achieved.
Some of such opportunities in the field of agriculture that come to mind are rubber, agar,
jackfruit, tea, bamboo and pineapple. The quality of raw product of all these are very high.
Rubber and pineapple are exported outside the state where some part of the tea leaves and
bamboo are processed in local industries. Tripura has a huge source of natural gas. The Oil and
Natural Gas Corporation, Tripura Asset was established in 1972. ONGC Tripura is doing the
work of digging the natural gas. Mostly natural gas is used in electric power generation stations.
The state has quite an impressive number of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations for
supplying fuels to automobiles. The capital Agartala is almost equipped with domestic pipeline
gas infrastructure.

Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited has five 21 MW gas turbine thermal
power stations in Tripura. Out of five, three are in Rokhia and two are in Baramura. All these
units were established between 1990 to 2013. Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited
has also three hydroelectric power stations of a total 15 MW capacity established between 1976
to 1984 [3]. NEEPCO, or North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited, is a government-
owned company responsible for power generation in the north-eastern region of India,
including Tripura. The capacity of the thermal plant of NEEPCO, Tripura is 40 MW [4]. The
ONGC along with the Government of Tripura formed ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC)
in 2008 to implement a 726.6 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) thermal power plant
at Palatana, Tripura. The question is why it took quite a significant amount of time for ONGC
Tripura to produce gas in full full-fledged way after its establishment. There are a few reasons
behind this. One reason is low industrial demand in the north-eastern region of India. The
second reason is the complexity of logistics with the rest part of the country. The third reason
is the limitation of local skilled workers [5].

In the past, Tripura experienced insurgency issues. However, efforts have been made
to address these challenges, and the state has witnessed developmental progress in recent years,
contributing to improved stability and economical growth. During the last quarter of the last
century, the insurgency problem came out to be a huge problem in the overall development of
the state. During that time general people mostly in the villages of hilly areas, used to live in a
state of fear due to abduction and killing by the insurgent groups. This abduction used to be a
part of extortion of money by the insurgents. In such a condition, working in the construction
of roads, tea gardens or buildings in any remote place was under threat, and for that, the state
suffered in a major way in the development and overall growth during that time [6]. From the
start of this century, good initiative has been taken by the government to curb the insurgency
issues.

Tripura plays a crucial role in enhancing connectivity between India and Southeast
Asia. The state's strategic location makes it a gateway for trade and commerce. Projects like
the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway aim to strengthen road connectivity, fostering
economic ties [7]. Additionally, discussions and plans for connectivity through waterways and
air routes contribute to make Tripura a pivotal link in the regional network. Very recently
Agartala airport has become an international airport which is indeed a great sign for the
development of the state. The Maitri Setu, inaugurated in 2021 in Sabroom, is a bridge
connecting Tripura with Bangladesh. It enhances connectivity and trade relations between
India and Bangladesh. Maitri Setu facilitates easier movement of goods and people between
Chittagong (Bangladesh's major port city) and Sabroom, contributing to regional trade and
cooperation [8].
 Like West Bengal, Tripura also established one jute industry but due to labour
problems and other issues jute industries in the state could not be developed on a large scale.
Tripura Jute Mills Limited is a Public incorporated in the year 1974. It is classified as a State
Govt company and is registered at Registrar of Companies, Shillong. It is involved in the
spinning, weaving, and finishing of textiles. The current status of Tripura Jute Mills Limited is
in active state [9].

Problems in transportation, insurgency issues, low demand for products, scarcity of

skilled workers, and labour unions issues impacted a lot in the development of the state. As the
problems are diminishing, the development has become visible during the last 10 to 15 years.
Several industries are developed in the Bodhjungnagar area. Bodhjungnagar Industrial area
was established in 2002 as an industrial growth center in Tripura, aimed at promoting
industrialization and creating employment opportunities in the region. Bodhjungnagar
Industries hosts a diverse range of industries, including metal manufacturing units,
pharmaceuticals, food processing, and information technology. The NEEPCO Tripura is also
situated in Bodhjungnagar [10].

The tourism industry in Tripura holds great potential with its rich cultural heritage and
natural beauty. Collaborating with local communities can also enhance the authenticity of the
tourism experience. Tripura has some hidden gems for tourists like Ujjayanta Palace,
Neermahal, Unakoti, Jampui Hills, and the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. Each spot offers a
unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Recently the state government has taken
great initiative for developing the tourism industry in Tripura. Earnings through tourism in
Tripura can be substantial, especially if you focus on promoting unique experiences and
cultural authenticity. Income streams may include hotel accommodations, guided tours, local
handicrafts, and culinary offerings. Collaborating with local communities can contribute to
sustainable tourism, enhancing both economic benefits and cultural preservation [11].

65 percent of the people of Tripura belong to agricultural backgrounds and live in rural
areas. An FPO (Farmer Producer Organization) model is sustainable for the economic
development of the agricultural and allied sectors. Involving all the farmers in the FPO model
is the best platform for their economic and social development. Under the FPO model, along
with agriculture, there can be equal emphasis given to horticulture, animal husbandry,
pisciculture or sericulture. The FPO model is very important for Tripura because Tripura is
mostly dependent on outside states in the agricultural and allied sectors. The FPO model
supports local businesses and products to boost the community's economy [12].

The craftsmen of Tripura are highly skilled in crafting excellent handicrafts. The
different ethnic groups of the state are perfect in bamboo and cane work. The land of Tripura
produces abundant bamboo and cane which are used to make different types of handicrafts like
chairs, tables, mats, hats, bags, hand fans, containers, etc. These durable articles are exported
to different countries where they are in great demand. The tribes of Tripura wear their
handmade clothes with great colour combinations and designs. Risa and Riha are the famous
traditional items of Tripura. Here every tribal girl is expected to know the art of weaving. This
art is an integral part of their lives. Handicrafts play a significant role in empowering women
by providing opportunities for skill development and economic independence. Through
crafting, women can showcase their talents and contribute to sustainable community
development [13].

Tripura is gradually embracing Information Technology to foster development.

Initiatives include digital literacy programs, e-governance projects, and efforts to enhance
connectivity. While challenges persist, the state is making strides in integrating technology for
its residents' benefit. The state government had been working on creating an ecosystem to
attract IT investments and promote entrepreneurship. Initiatives like skill development
programs and infrastructure improvements were underway to boost the growth of software
industries in Tripura. Tripura, with its diverse economic landscape, relies significantly on
MSMEs for job creation and local development. Focused initiatives in Tripura can further
strengthen these enterprises, fostering entrepreneurship and contributing to the state's economic
progress [14]. There are several boards formed by the government for the development of
different industrial sectors, for example, Tripura Industrial Development Corporation Limited
(TIDC), Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDC), Tripura Small Industries
Development Corporation Limited (TSIC), Tripura Khadi & Village Industries Board
(TKVIB), Society For Entrepreneurship Development (SoFED), Tripura Bamboo Mission
(TBM). These boards are working towards the industrial growth of the state. Starting a business
in Tripura can be exciting. Consider exploring sectors like agribusiness, handicrafts, or tourism,
which have potential in the region. Additionally, connecting with local business networks and
leveraging any available support from government initiatives can facilitate the startup journey.
Government support for startups can take various forms, such as grants, tax incentives, and
mentorship programs. Tripura is working on that.

As discussed, Tripura has been growing in different sectors in multiple directions in

recent years. Tripura has received recognition for various achievements from the Government
of India, including awards in sectors like education, tourism, and agriculture. The job
opportunities in the state are mainly under state government in administrative, engineering,
health, and educational services. Naturally, there is a job scarcity in Tripura in the absence of
major private sector jobs. Industrial growth in Tripura can mitigate unemployment to a great
extent. Tripura needs major investors to set up industries to use its raw products like rubber,
tea, pineapple, or natural gas. Hopefully, in near future, Tripura will be able to keep its local
talent and hire talent from outside the state.

Reference :

1. https://tripura.gov.in/about-us
2. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripura
3. https://www.tsecl.in/Generation.html
4. https://mdoner.gov.in/print/infrastructure/neepco
5. https://www.otpcindia.in/aboutus/about-otpc
6. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurgency_in_Tripura
7. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_Myanmar_Thailand_Trilateral_Highway
8. https://swarajyamag.com/
9. https://www.zaubacorp.com/
10 https://industries.tripura.gov.in/industrial-growth-center
11. https://tripuratourism.gov.in/
12. Prasenjit Pal, Anil Upadhyay (2020) “Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) and its Status in
Tripura” AGRICULTURE WORLD the pulse of global agriculture, Volume 6, Issue 07, ISSN
2455-8184
13 https://tripuratourism.gov.in/art-crafts
14. https://startup.tripura.gov.in/Incubators