In a significant move to tackle traffic congestion in Agartala city, the state government has decided that all autorickshaws operating within the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) area must have their front panels painted pink for easy identification.
This decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at the Secretariat on June 10, chaired by Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, with senior officials from the Transport, Home, and Traffic departments in attendance.
The Transport Minister formally announced the decisions at a press conference at the Secretariat on Monday.
Explaining the move, the Minister said that autorickshaws with permits for operation inside AMC will now be distinctly marked by their pink-colored front portion, while autos from other subdivisions will retain their existing colors.
The primary aim of this measure is to regulate the entry of vehicles into the city and curb growing traffic congestion, Chowdhury said.
However, exceptions will be made for emergency needs. Autos from outside AMC areas will be allowed into the city only if passengers can provide valid documentation, such as doctor’s prescriptions for medical visits or airline tickets for travel to the airport.
The Minister urged autorickshaw owners in the AMC area to promptly repaint the front of their vehicles pink and reminded all operators that they must visibly display their route permits. Violations, such as carrying passengers outside of the permitted routes, will lead to strict monitoring and legal action.
Another key issue addressed in the press conference was the unauthorized use of private vehicles for transporting school students and office employees. Chowdhury pointed out that many of these vehicles operate without commercial licenses, posing a safety risk to children.
To address this, the Transport Department will issue notices to school authorities, instructing them to use only commercially licensed vehicles for student transportation.
The Minister also appealed to private vehicle owners engaged in such activities to immediately convert their licenses to commercial ones to comply with the law.
Chowdhury further called upon autorickshaw operators from outside the AMC area to respect and abide by the new regulations for the benefit of the city’s commuters.
Senior officials present at the press meet included Transport Secretary U.K. Chakma, Additional Transport Secretary Subrata Chowdhury, IG (Law & Order) Ipar Manchak Dayanba, and SP (Traffic) Kanta Jangir.