Traffic congestion has become one of the most serious challenges confronting Agartala under the Smart City project, with commuters and pedestrians bearing the brunt of inadequate and ineffective traffic management.

The number of vehicles on the city’s roads continues to increase at an alarming rate, while several unplanned and unscientific administrative decisions have further intensified the problem, making daily movement across the city increasingly difficult.

In an effort to regulate the growing number of electric auto-rickshaws, the administration had earlier issued a directive requiring all auto-rickshaws operating within the Agartala Municipal Corporation limits to be painted pink for easy identification. The decision was taken after it was observed that auto-rickshaws from neighbouring areas such as Bishalgarh and Jirania were frequently entering the city, significantly adding to traffic congestion.

As per the directive, only pink-coloured auto-rickshaws registered under the municipal corporation were allowed to operate within city limits. While most city-based auto-rickshaw operators complied and repainted their vehicles, many auto-rickshaws from outside areas continued to operate in Agartala in blatant violation of the order, further worsening traffic conditions.

The situation has been exacerbated by widespread illegal parking, particularly in front of the old TRTC office at Battala, where unauthorised parking by auto-rickshaws has become a daily cause of traffic snarls.

With violations continuing unabated, the traffic police on Wednesday launched a special enforcement drive in the Battala area. During the operation, auto-rickshaws operating without authorisation and vehicles parked illegally were seized. Traffic officials said strict legal action would be taken against the violators in accordance with the law.

The authorities also warned that such enforcement drives would be carried out regularly, noting that auto-rickshaw operators had been given sufficient time to comply with the regulations. However, whether these measures will offer a long-term solution to Agartala’s persistent traffic congestion remains to be seen.