Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the transformation of Pushpabanta Palace into a five-star heritage hotel by the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), part of the Taj Group, will significantly enhance the state's tourism potential.

The announcement came on May 20 after a formal lease agreement was signed between IHCL and the Tripura government. The CM expressed pride in this development, emphasizing that it marks a major milestone for the state and fulfills a long-standing aspiration to host luxury hospitality brands like Taj.

Originally built in 1917 and later used as the Governor’s House, Pushpabanta Palace will now be retrofitted into a 100-room luxury hotel, including four exclusive palace-themed suites. Saha highlighted that this is the first such agreement between a state government and IHCL in India, and the project will set a precedent. While the Taj Group plans to complete the renovation in three years, the government has urged them to finish within two.

The project will also generate local employment for 200 people and attract both domestic and international tourists. A total of 7.78 acres has been allotted for the venture, opening new doors for sustainable tourism-led economic growth in Tripura.