Tripura Stone Supply Crisis Deepens as Traders Seek Urgent Action

By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
Aug 30, 2026
153

The prolonged disruption in the supply of construction stones to Tripura has created a serious livelihood crisis for traders, crusher operators, transporters and workers across Tripura.

For nearly three months, stone movement has reportedly remained severely affected, forcing several small and large crusher units to suspend operations. Traders fear that if the disruption continues, its consequences could extend beyond the stone industry and affect construction projects like NH-08 projects, transportation, local markets and other businesses.

The issue has become particularly acute in Churaibari, where numerous families depend directly or indirectly on the stone trade. Local business operators say employment alternatives are limited, leaving many workers and transporters heavily dependent on the sector.

Transporters Struggle as Stone Movement Remains Disrupted

A section of transporters reportedly purchased their vehicles through bank loans or instalment-based financing to carry boulders from Meghalaya to Churaibari.

With the movement of stone remaining disrupted, these vehicle owners have lost a major source of income. Traders allege that some operators are now struggling to repay their vehicle instalments, with finance companies allegedly taking steps against vehicles whose payments have fallen behind.

The crisis is therefore affecting not only stone dealers but also drivers, vehicle owners, labourers, crusher workers and several small businesses connected to the supply chain.

Traders Raise Digarkhal Gate Concerns

Against this backdrop, an important meeting was held on Sunday at the residence of Tripura Boulder Merchants Association president Milan Debnath.

Stone traders, crusher owners, vehicle operators, drivers and representatives of labour organisations participated in the meeting and discussed the problems affecting the industry.

According to participants, vehicles transporting stones from Meghalaya into Tripura are encountering difficulties at Digarkhal gate in Assam's Barak Valley, despite allegedly carrying valid documents.

Traders questioned why properly documented vehicles are being stopped and demanded an immediate solution to the issue.

Stone Shortage Could Affect Tripura Development Projects

Business representatives also warned that the ongoing transportation problem could have implications for development activities in Tripura.

Construction projects require a regular supply of aggregates and other stone materials. A prolonged shortage could therefore create difficulties for contractors and delay certain infrastructure and development works.

At the same time, thousands of people associated with stone transportation, crushing units, loading and unloading operations and related businesses are facing uncertainty over their livelihoods.

The situation is particularly significant because Tripura's northern gateway at Churaibari plays an important role in the movement of commercial goods into the state. TheTripurapost has previously reported on transportation-related concerns at Churaibari, including issues surrounding highway connectivity and checkpost operations.

Traders Seek Tripura-Assam Government Intervention

The meeting called for immediate intervention by both the Tripura and Assam governments.

Traders demanded that the reported complications at Digarkhal gate be resolved at the earliest and that vehicles carrying valid documents be permitted to move normally.

They warned that failure to address the problem could trigger a wider movement involving thousands of people directly and indirectly dependent on the stone industry.

River Stone Transport Faces Another Challenge

Traders also highlighted difficulties in transporting river stones from Assam to Tripura.

According to them, stones collected from rivers can retain additional water during the monsoon, resulting in a marginal increase in vehicle weight. They alleged that this has led to substantial fines at the Churaibari MVI gate.

Traders claimed that penalties in some cases can reach Rs 22,000, while the profit earned from selling a full vehicle-load of stones is reportedly only around Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.

They argued that such a disparity makes the transportation business financially unsustainable.

North Tripura Businesses Fear Wider Economic Impact

The business community has warned that the effects of the ongoing stone transportation crisis could eventually spread beyond Churaibari and Dharmanagar to other parts of North Tripura.

If stone supplies remain restricted for an extended period, traders fear further pressure on transport operators, crusher units, construction-related businesses and workers dependent on the industry.

The business community has therefore urged the Tripura government to hold discussions with its Assam counterpart and find an early solution to the problems reportedly affecting Digarkhal gate and stone transportation routes.

A quick resolution, traders said, is essential to restore the movement of construction materials, protect thousands of livelihoods and prevent further disruption to development activities in Tripura.

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