Cabinet approves renaming of Agartala Airport as Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore Airport, Agartala

The Union Cabinet approved proposal of renaming Agartala Airport in Tripura as ‘Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore Airport, Agartala. The decision comes in the wake of long pending demand of people of Tripura as well as Government of Tripura for paying tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore.

Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore

He was the king of Tripura from 1923 to 1947 before its merger with India. He was enlightened and benevolent ruler. He is considered the father of modern architecture in Tripura, as entire planning of present-day Tripura was initiated during his rule. As a visionary ruler, he had travelled extensively across globe and took several steps for all-round development of Tripura. He is also considered one of the pioneers in land reforms. In 1939, he reserved land for local Tripura tribals, which was later instrumental in creation of Tripura autonoumus district council.

Background

Agartala Airport was constructed in 1942 on the land donated by Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore. Due to his initiative, an aerodrome at Agartala was constructed that has evolved as second busiest airport in North East and provides crucial air connectivity to Tripura. Hence, Agartala Airport was renamed after him as a befitting tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2018