Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has directed officials to expedite preparation and submission of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a proposed medical college at Jolaibari in South Tripura district. The project is being planned around the existing Shantirbazar District Hospital under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK). A meeting on the proposed institution was held at Conference Hall No. 2 of the State Secretariat on Friday. During the meeting, Saha instructed the concerned departments to complete the DPR at the earliest and take the necessary steps to begin implementation. The Chief Minister’s Secretary, Kiran Gitte, presented a visual report covering the proposed college’s infrastructure requirements, the current status of Shantirbazar District Hospital and key aspects of project execution. Saha reviewed the proposal and gave directions on its various components. The project is intended to support the development of the Jolaibari area as a planned township. The proposed infrastructure is expected to extend beyond the medical college and hospital to include facilities supporting academic activities and student welfare. Suggestions discussed at the meeting included a yoga centre, an auditorium, a football ground and an indoor badminton hall, along with suitable amenities for students, doctors and other staff. Saha stressed that the institution’s infrastructure should be modern, functional and scientifically planned. He also highlighted the need to give equal attention to academic standards, medical services, hospital facilities and amenities for patients. The meeting further considered expanding the capacity and scope of services at Shantirbazar District Hospital in coordination with the medical college plan. The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of planning and coordination throughout the project and asked officials to accelerate the DPR process to enable the next stages. Minister for Minority Welfare Shuklacharan Noatia, department director Nirmal Adhikari, the South Tripura District Magistrate and senior officials from several departments attended the meeting.