Tripura Transport Department undertakes Rs 150 crore projects: Minister

The Tripura Transport Department is currently implementing infrastructure projects worth Rs 150 crore across the state, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said on Saturday.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Sonartari State Guest House, the minister stressed the need for timely execution and quality assurance. “We are working on multiple developmental initiatives. It's essential that these are completed efficiently and within the stipulated timelines. The department also aims to roll out more people-centric projects in the near future,” he stated.

The review meeting focused on the schemes sanctioned under the 'Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment' for the fiscal year 2024–25. Projects under this scheme include setting up motor stands, constructing district transport offices, celebrating Road Safety Week, establishing regional driving test centres, implementing e-challan systems, and developing digital platforms like the Vehicle and Charioteer application. Other key initiatives include setting up an inter-state bus terminal, launching public campaigns under the ‘Good Samaritan’ programme, and constructing a new Commissionerate building.

Minister Chowdhury emphasized the need for better inter-departmental coordination, noting that several departments are directly or indirectly linked to transport operations. “All officials have been instructed to ensure projects maintain high standards and are completed within deadlines to avoid lapses,” he added.

He also underscored the importance of public awareness on road safety. “Road Safety Week should be observed not just by the Transport and Traffic Departments but also at the grassroots level — including schools and colleges,” he said.

Touching on the Centre’s ‘Good Samaritan’ initiative — now renamed ‘Rah Veer’ — the minister noted that financial rewards for helping accident victims reach medical care have been increased from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000. 

However, he expressed concern over limited public awareness in Tripura and urged District Transport Officers and police to intensify outreach efforts.

Chowdhury highlighted the department’s recent transition to a cashless system, which he said has improved transparency and boosted revenue. “We collected ₹155 crore in revenue in the last financial year, and the cashless system has played a major role in that increase,” he noted.

On the e-challan system, he revealed that a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is being developed in collaboration with the State Bank of India, National Informatics Centre (NIC), the Traffic Department, and the Transport Department to enhance accountability and operational efficiency.