The Central government has sanctioned ₹14.96 crore to Tripura for the completion of the Light House Project (LHP) in Agartala. The grant, released under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), aims to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing to economically weaker sections. The LHP, which is currently in its final stage, represents one of six model projects across India showcasing innovative construction technologies.
Officials from the Tripura Urban Development Department confirmed the release of the central fund and assured that the project would be completed within the next few months. They emphasized that the state government remains committed to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Housing for All” by 2025. The LHP initiative, launched in 2021, employs pre-fabricated sandwich panel technology, which ensures faster construction, seismic resistance, and energy efficiency.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha welcomed the fresh allocation and praised the Centre for its consistent support in uplifting urban infrastructure. He stated that the project, once completed, would not only provide shelter to hundreds of underprivileged families but also serve as a benchmark in sustainable urban housing. He said that the LHP would offer quality homes equipped with modern amenities like community halls, solar lighting, sewage systems, and green spaces.
Residents who have been allotted units expressed optimism over the announcement. Many said that timely intervention by the Centre had rekindled their hopes of moving into their permanent homes soon. Local beneficiaries, who have been residing in rented accommodations or temporary shelters for years, said the LHP promised them dignity and security.
The Light House Projects, spread across six cities including Agartala, were conceptualized by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Each project adopts a unique and advanced construction technology sourced from different parts of the world. Agartala’s LHP uses the PVC stay-in-place formwork system, which reduces construction time while enhancing structural durability. Officials from the Centre for Science and Environment had previously lauded this model as environmentally friendly and scalable.
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri reiterated the Centre’s commitment to modernizing India’s urban housing landscape through such pilot projects. He noted that Tripura’s performance under PMAY-U had been consistent and praiseworthy, with high levels of fund utilization and timely implementation of schemes.
Tripura’s Urban Development Minister Santana Chakma inspected the project site earlier this week. She expressed satisfaction over the pace of the work and assured that strict monitoring would continue to ensure transparency and accountability. She noted that the state government would coordinate closely with the Agartala Smart City Limited and technical experts to resolve any construction-related challenges.
The Light House Project has also drawn attention from students and professionals in architecture and civil engineering. Local engineering colleges have arranged site visits to give students firsthand experience of modern building technologies. Faculty members said that the project serves as a live case study in blending innovation with inclusivity.
Officials from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) visited the site in March and shared insights on replicating this model in other northeastern cities. They suggested that similar housing frameworks could be introduced in flood-prone and remote regions to address shelter deficits efficiently.
As of now, over 75 percent of construction work at the Agartala site has been completed. Authorities plan to initiate the process of handing over keys to beneficiaries within the next quarter. Urban planners working with the project emphasized the importance of integrating such developments with essential services like schools, clinics, and public transport.
With the fresh central allocation, Tripura moves a step closer to completing a pioneering housing initiative that promises to transform the lives of its urban poor. As the project nears its finish line, it stands as a symbol of innovation, partnership, and inclusive growth.
State officials have begun coordinating with local municipalities to finalize the list of eligible beneficiaries under strict scrutiny to avoid irregularities. Authorities have ensured that priority will be given to widows, daily wage earners, differently abled individuals, and those living below the poverty line. The selection process has entered its final stages, and public notices will be issued in the coming days.
In addition to residential units, the project blueprint includes provisions for essential civic infrastructure. Engineers working on-site have confirmed the installation of rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels to promote sustainable resource management. The project also includes accessible pathways, open recreational areas for children, and community centers intended to foster social cohesion among residents.
Tripura has emerged as a proactive northeastern state in implementing Central housing schemes. Data from the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry show that the state has utilized over 90 percent of the funds released under PMAY-U, far ahead of several larger states. Urban policy analysts have praised this performance and recommended that other smaller states adopt Tripura’s model of centralized monitoring and community engagement.
The state government has also launched awareness drives to educate future residents about property maintenance, waste segregation, and hygiene practices. Officials are collaborating with self-help groups and local NGOs to train residents in housing upkeep, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility. This community-led approach, they say, is key to the long-term success of the housing scheme.