Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 6 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday travelled by a regular passenger train to attend the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony of 15 major development projects, including a hospital, a primary health centre, and multiple school buildings in Kumarghat, Unakoti district of Tripura.

While speaking to ANI during the journey, CM Saha said, 'Train travel is convenient and allows me to remain connected with the public. Since the launch of the Act East Policy by our Hon'ble Prime Minister, connectivity in the Northeast has improved significantly. Common people prefer trains, and so do I.'

'Today I am visiting Kumarghat in the Unakoti district, where I will be inaugurating several important development projects. These include a hospital, a primary health center, school buildings, and more,' he added.

Passengers were left surprised but delighted to see the Chief Minister sharing a compartment with them, chatting freely, and listening to their concerns without any political airs.

Co-passenger Ataur Rahman, who was travelling to Siliguri, said, 'I'm feeling very happy. I'm travelling from Agartala to Siliguri, and our Chief Minister is sitting beside me. He is talking to everyone around, and it feels really nice to see him mingling so freely with the general public, just like one of them.'

Another passenger, Devraj Debnath, remarked, 'I'm feeling very happy. Usually, ministers don't travel by train like this, so I was surprised to see our Chief Minister on the train after I boarded. It felt really good. If he continues to travel like this among common people, he will be able to understand the problems we are facing.'

Dibakar Dutta added, 'I'm feeling really happy. The Minister is travelling with common people on the train, and it feels so nice. I've never seen a minister travel like this with ordinary people before.'

Speaking about Tripura's progress, CM Saha listed multiple areas of growth under his leadership--healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, tribal welfare, and digital connectivity.

He also added, 'As Chief Minister, I have completed three years in office. During this time, I have focused on various sectors like education, health, agriculture, tourism, sports, and tribal welfare. My core objective is to uplift the underprivileged sections of society. I especially focus on ensuring they access basic necessities like housing under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and healthcare under Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Yojana.'

He also shared, 'Our state now ranks third in law and order among Indian states and second in per capita income in the Northeast. Six national highways are under construction, and Tripura ranks third in internet strength in India.'

On World Environment Day, he reminded people about harmony and sustainability, stating, 'We must live in harmony and work toward protecting our environment. My dream is to take Tripura far ahead through inclusive development and citizen-centric governance.'

He spoke about digital outreach via the 'Amar Sarkar' portal, which allows citizens to submit grievances directly to him. 'To ensure that people's problems reach me directly, I've launched a portal called 'Amar Sarkar' where citizens can submit their issues in writing,' he added.

Highlighting key achievements, he said, 'There has been significant progress in health and education. We've even established a dental college recently. During my recent visit to Delhi, a business summit was held, and out of Rs 30,000 crore worth of MoUs signed for the Northeast, Rs 15,800 crore was for Tripura.'

He concluded, saying, 'There is still much to do in the days ahead. Time is limited, and the work is vast. That's why it is essential to stay healthy and energetic.' (ANI)