Agartala: The Union cabinet on Wednesday decided to rename Agartala airport after Tripura's last reigning king Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur.

A statement from the Centre said Maharaja Bir Bikram was a "visionary ruler", who had travelled extensively across the globe. It also said the late king took "several steps for the all-round development of Tripura".

"He donated land to construct Agartala airport, which was set up in 1942. Due to his initiative, an aerodrome at Agartala was constructed that has evolved as the second busiest airport in the Northeast and provides crucial air connectivity to Tripura," the statement said.

It added that renaming Agartala airport after the King would be "a befitting tribute" to him.

Chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb termed the decision "historic" and wrote on his twitter handle, "One more historic decision taken for the people of #Tripura. #Agartala Airport to be named after Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya. On behalf of 37 lakh citizens of Tripura, thank PM Shri @narendramodi ji for recognising immortal contribution of the Architect of #Tripura".

He also tweeted that Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya sowed seeds of development for modern Tripura.

"Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore #Manikya ji sowed the seeds for development of a modern #Tripura. Setting up an airport in Agartala was possible due to his vision & foresight. This decision of naming the #Agartala Airport after him is a fitting tribute to his great legacy," he tweeted.

Royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya welcomed the move.

Speaking to reporters, Pradyot, who is celebrating his birthday on Wednesday, said, "It is a welcome move and a great birthday gift for me."

Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya ascended the throne of the erstwhile princely state in 1923. He was aconceived the first modern educational model for the state which included a university, an English-medium school, a girls' school and a college. After his death, construction of the state's first degree college was completed. It was named the Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) College.