Transport minister Pranajit Singha Roy on Tuesday inaugurated much-awaited prepaid auto-taxi service at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Agartala.
Addressing the inaugural programme, the Transport minister said the communication system needs to be strengthened for developing the Tourism sector and the government working towards improving the communication system—be it air, road or rail connectivity.
He said, a committee for running the new service has been formed with the representatives of Transport, Tourism, Police, district administration and airport. If any problem arises, they would take immediate decision.
According to the Transport minister, details of the drivers and passengers would remain registered with the prepaid counter. Besides, a fare chart has been prepared and displayed in and outside the airport; there would be no scope of taking extra fare from the passengers.
After launching the new service, he warned the auto-rickshaw drivers not to misbehave with the passengers.
According to the Transport minister, 23 flights are now operated from the MBB airport on daily basis with arrival and departure of around 3700 passengers—there is a requirement of around 250 auto-rickshaws to meet the demand. If the auto drivers provide service properly, they would see an increase in their income, he added.
He also said, Agartala would soon have flight connectivity with Chittagong and the MBB Airport would get the status of international airport. He also elaborated the government’s efforts in strengthening the communication system in the state.
Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation Dipak Majumder, MLA Dr. Silip Kumar Das, special secretary of Transport department Sandeep R. Rathod, the Airport director were present in the programme. (Courtesy: Tripura Times)
