Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury announces new traffic rules to ease congestion in Agartala, including pink autos for city identification, permit enforcement, and crackdown on unlicensed school transport vehicles.
Agartala (Tripura), June 17: In a decisive move to tackle worsening traffic congestion in the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) area, the state government has rolled out a series of targeted measures. These decisions were finalized during a high-level meeting held on June 10 at the Secretariat, chaired by Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, and attended by top officials from the Transport, Home, and Traffic departments.
At a press conference held today, Minister Chowdhury shared the outcomes of the meeting and the government’s action plan to streamline vehicular movement in the city.
Pink Fronts for City Autos
One of the key decisions is the implementation of a color-coded identification system for auto-rickshaws. To distinguish autos licensed to operate within AMC limits from those of other subdivisions, all authorized autos in the AMC area must now have their front section painted pink. Autos operating outside the city will retain their existing color scheme. This initiative aims to enhance traffic regulation and prevent unauthorized autos from contributing to urban congestion.
To enforce this, the minister has urged AMC auto owners to promptly paint their vehicles’ front portions pink. He also made it mandatory for all auto-rickshaws to clearly display their route permits and strictly operate within designated areas. Any violation of permit conditions will attract close monitoring and legal action, he warned.
Entry Rules for Outstation Autos
In an effort to curb the influx of auto-rickshaws from outside into the city, new regulations have been introduced. Autos from outside the AMC area will not be allowed entry unless there is a genuine emergency. In such cases, passengers must present valid documentation—such as a doctor’s prescription, hospital appointment, or airline ticket—as proof of necessity.
Crackdown on Unlicensed School Transport
Minister Chowdhury also raised concerns over the use of privately registered vehicles for transporting school children, teachers, and office staff without commercial licenses. Citing safety risks, he announced that school authorities will soon receive formal notices mandating the use of only commercially licensed vehicles for such purposes.
In a public appeal, the minister urged all private vehicle owners currently associated with school transportation to immediately convert their vehicle registrations to commercial licenses to ensure compliance and student safety.
Enforcement and Oversight
Minister Chowdhury also called upon auto-rickshaws operating from outside the AMC limits to respect and abide by the newly enforced rules. Strict monitoring and enforcement will follow to ensure full implementation.
Present at the press briefing were Transport Secretary U.K. Chakma, Additional Transport Secretary Subrata Chowdhury, IG (Law and Order) Ipar Manchak Dayanba, and SP (Traffic) Kanta Jangir.
The state government’s comprehensive traffic regulation plan marks a significant step toward resolving urban mobility challenges in Agartala, with an emphasis on safety, accountability, and sustainable transport practices.
