Key Highlights:
- The 524-year-old Tripura Sundari temple has been redeveloped at a total cost of Rs 59 crore, with Rs 52 crore from the PRASHAD scheme and Rs 7 crore state contribution
- Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks his 11th trip to Tripura and second visit to the Tripura Sundari temple since becoming PM in 2014
- The redeveloped complex features a three-storied structure with modern amenities, 86 stalls, multipurpose halls, and a specially designed 51 Shakti Peethas Park
Opening Overview: Historic Transformation of Ancient Sacred Site
The Tripura Sundari temple redevelopment project represents a landmark achievement in India’s spiritual tourism infrastructure development under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Agartala on Monday afternoon following his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, where he virtually inaugurated 13 development projects worth over Rs 5,127 crore. The Tripura Sundari temple, originally built in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, stands as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and represents the third such shrine in eastern India after Kalighat in Kolkata and Kamakhya in Guwahati.
The ceremonial inauguration included traditional dance performances welcoming the Prime Minister, followed by his comprehensive tour of the redeveloped complex and puja offerings. Chief Minister Manik Saha, Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu, and other dignitaries accompanied the Prime Minister during the sacred ceremonies. The Tripura Sundari temple redevelopment project has transformed the 524-year-old sacred site into a world-class spiritual destination while preserving its ancient heritage and cultural significance.
This historic moment fulfills the long-awaited expectations of Tripura’s population, as emphasized by Chief Minister Manik Saha’s statement about the entire population eagerly anticipating this grand inauguration. The project demonstrates the government’s commitment to the “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” vision, balancing development with heritage preservation as a vital step toward achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Modernization and Amenities
Enhanced Visitor Facilities and Sacred Spaces
The redeveloped Tripura Sundari temple complex now features a sophisticated three-storied structure spanning multiple functional areas designed to accommodate increased pilgrim footfall. The ground floor encompasses 6,784 square meters with modern lobbies, 86 retail stalls for devotees, multipurpose halls for community gatherings, and dedicated Prasad distribution areas. The first floor includes 2,317 square meters of dormitory facilities, residential quarters for Tripura Sundari temple volunteers and monks, ensuring comfortable accommodation for extended stays.
The top floor covers 7,355 square meters housing the main temple sanctum, the traditional ‘naatmandir’ where devotees gather to witness sacred rituals, and five reconstructed water bodies surrounding the temple complex. Modern infrastructure additions include comprehensive food court facilities, updated sewage and water supply systems, underground water storage tanks, advanced storm water drainage, and contemporary electrical installations with solar PV power systems. The project has incorporated modern toilet facilities, changing rooms, enhanced temple illumination systems, and professional landscaping with vertical plantation elements.
PRASHAD Scheme Implementation and Funding Details
The Tripura Sundari temple redevelopment project received Rs 52 crore funding through the Union Tourism Ministry’s PRASHAD scheme, supplemented by Rs 7 crore contribution from the Tripura state government, bringing the total investment to Rs 59 crore. The PRASHAD scheme, sanctioned in 2020-21 with an initial outlay of Rs 34.43 crore, represents a comprehensive government initiative to rejuvenate pilgrimage sites across India. As of September 2025, approximately 80% of the redevelopment work has been completed, with Rs 28.01 crore already released to the implementing agencies.
The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 48 projects totaling Rs 1,646.99 crore under the PRASHAD scheme across 27 states and Union Territories, with Rs 1,036.96 crore released and 25 projects completed. The scheme aims to transform pilgrimage destinations into holistic centers of faith, culture, and economic activity, creating tourism-linked livelihood opportunities while preserving spiritual heritage. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to developing world-class spiritual tourism infrastructure that balances religious significance with modern amenities and accessibility.
PRASHAD Scheme Project Status and Funding Overview (As of December 2024)
Strategic Tourism Development and Regional Impact
Shakti Peethas Network and Cultural Tourism Enhancement
The Tripura Sundari temple redevelopment project includes the construction of a unique 51 Shakti Peethas Park featuring replicas of all sacred sites spread across the Indian subcontinent. This innovative attraction addresses the practical difficulties faced by devotees in visiting all scattered Shakti Peethas, providing a comprehensive spiritual experience in a single location. The park construction, initiated by the Tripura government in 2019, represents a pioneering approach to religious tourism development that combines accessibility with authentic spiritual experiences.
The Tripura Sundari temple holds particular significance as one of only three Shakti Peethas in eastern India, positioning it strategically within the broader network of Hindu pilgrimage destinations. The redeveloped complex is designed to attract devotees and cultural tourists from across India and neighboring countries, strengthening Tripura’s position as a premier spiritual tourism destination. The project’s emphasis on creating world-class facilities while maintaining traditional sacred elements ensures the Tripura Sundari temple appeals to both traditional pilgrims and modern tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Northeast India Tourism Development and Economic Integration
The Tripura Sundari temple redevelopment forms part of a broader government initiative to unlock the spiritual and economic potential of Northeast India through infrastructure-led tourism development. The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated Rs 5,915 crore for the North Eastern Region, representing a 47.6% increase from the previous year’s allocation, with significant emphasis on tourism infrastructure development. The government has approved over Rs 800 crore to develop tourist destinations in northeastern states, including strategic initiatives to reduce crowding in popular areas and promote sustainable tourism.
The PRASHAD scheme’s impact extends beyond individual temple redevelopment to encompass comprehensive regional tourism ecosystem development. Northeast India’s domestic visitor numbers have surged significantly, with expanding homestay networks in villages, increased employment opportunities for young guides, and strengthening of the overall tour and travel ecosystem. The redevelopment project directly contributes to the government’s vision of establishing Northeast India as a pivotal contributor to India’s tourism growth trajectory, with particular focus on Buddhist tourism circuits and performance-based incentives for infrastructure enhancement.
Economic Impact and Religious Tourism Growth
National Religious Tourism Market Expansion
India’s religious tourism sector has experienced remarkable growth, with 1,439 million domestic tourists visiting pilgrimage sites in 2022, generating Rs 1.34 trillion in revenue. The sector is projected to generate $59 billion by 2028 and create 140 million temporary and permanent jobs by 2030, according to industry analysis. More than 60% of tourism in India is associated with religious activities, highlighting the significant economic potential of projects like the Tripura Sundari temple redevelopment.
The success of religious tourism development is exemplified by Ayodhya’s transformation, where visitor numbers increased from 6.02 million in 2020 to 164 million in 2024 following the Ram temple construction. Foreign tourist arrivals in India reached 9.66 million in 2024, generating foreign exchange earnings of Rs 2,77,842 crore. The domestic tourism sector recorded 2,509 million visits, demonstrating the substantial scale and economic impact of India’s religious tourism market.
Infrastructure Investment and Development Outcomes
The Ministry of Tourism’s comprehensive approach to pilgrimage site development includes sanctioning 76 projects worth Rs 5,287.90 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with 75 projects physically completed. The government has approved 40 additional projects worth Rs 3,295.76 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, aimed at developing iconic tourist centers across 23 states. These investments represent a systematic approach to transforming India’s tourism infrastructure while preserving cultural and religious heritage.
The PRASHAD scheme’s implementation across 27 states and Union Territories demonstrates the government’s commitment to equitable regional development in spiritual tourism. With 25 projects completed, 22 under construction, and cumulative releases of Rs 1,036.96 crore, the scheme has established a proven framework for heritage-led tourism development. The Tripura Sundari temple redevelopment exemplifies how targeted infrastructure investment can transform centuries-old pilgrimage sites into modern tourism destinations while maintaining their sacred character and cultural authenticity.
Closing Assessment: Legacy of Heritage-Led Development
The inauguration of the redeveloped Tripura Sundari temple represents more than architectural transformation, it symbolizes India’s evolving approach to heritage preservation through modern infrastructure development. Prime Minister Modi’s 11th visit to Tripura and second pilgrimage to this sacred site underscores the government’s sustained commitment to Northeast India’s spiritual tourism potential. The project’s successful completion within the PRASHAD framework demonstrates how systematic government investment can revitalize ancient pilgrimage destinations while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
This comprehensive redevelopment initiative sets a precedent for similar heritage conservation projects across India’s 51 Shakti Peethas and other significant pilgrimage destinations. The temple’s transformation from a 524-year-old traditional shrine into a world-class spiritual tourism complex illustrates the practical implementation of the “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” philosophy. As India progresses toward its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, projects like the Tripura Sundari temple redevelopment serve as exemplars of how cultural heritage can be preserved and enhanced through strategic modern development, ensuring these sacred spaces continue inspiring future generations while contributing meaningfully to regional economic growth and national tourism objectives.
