Agartala, June 20, 2025: In a bid to tackle persistent traffic congestion in the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) area, the Transport Department and Traffic Police have revised earlier guidelines for auto-rickshaw movement, offering certain relaxations while tightening enforcement mechanisms. The revised decisions were announced following a high-level meeting chaired by Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury at the State Secretariat on Thursday.
The meeting was convened after various labour organisations, transport syndicates, and concerned citizens sought reconsideration of the guidelines first announced on June 17. Senior officials from the Transport Department, Police Administration, Traffic Wing, and representatives of labour unions attended the session.
As per the updated guidelines: Autos from Mohanpur Subdivision (Narsingarh, Bamutia, Gandhigram, Mohanpur) are now permitted to carry passengers up to the Gandhi Statue Roundabout near Circuit House, but must immediately return to their origin after drop-off. “No waiting or passenger pick-up will be allowed at the roundabout to prevent congestion,” the minister clarified; Autos from Jirania Subdivision (Jirania, Khairpur, Ranirbazar) can now terminate at either Chandrapur Bus Stand or the Old Central Correctional Facility (Jail). The choice of stop will be determined based on inputs from syndicate representatives; Autos from Bishalgarh, Sekerkot, and Amtali will drop passengers at Nagerjala Motor Stand, after which they must return to their point of origin; and Students travelling from rural areas to coaching centres within Agartala may enter the city in reserved autos. However, those vehicles will not be allowed to pick up other passengers inside AMC limits after dropping students.
The Minister reaffirmed that the original rule for visually identifying AMC-registered autos will remain in place. Autos registered under Agartala Municipal Corporation must paint the front portion of their vehicle pink, a directive intended to help police and enforcement officers distinguish them from suburban vehicles.
“This measure is necessary to regulate movement, ease traffic pressure and ensure effective zone-wise operation,” said Minister Chowdhury. He warned of strict action, including legal proceedings, against drivers who violate these revised norms.
Minister Chowdhury appealed to all auto unions and drivers to strictly adhere to the updated traffic movement plan, stating, “Our objective is not to disrupt livelihoods but to bring order to the city’s growing traffic chaos. Cooperation from transport workers is essential.”
Among the top officials present at the meeting were: Uttam Kumar Chakma, Secretary, Transport Department; Subrata Chowdhury, Additional Secretary, Transport; Manchak Ippar, Inspector General (Law & Order); Dr. Kiran Kumar K, Superintendent of Police, West Tripura; and Kanta Jangir, Superintendent of Police (Traffic).
The Transport Department has announced that surveillance will be intensified in key city zones in the coming days to ensure compliance with the new movement guidelines.
