Tripura has witnessed a gradual decline in both road accidents and fatalities over the past three years, even as the state government steps up enforcement and awareness measures to curb traffic violations and save lives.
Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, speaking at a road safety awareness programme in Agartala on Tuesday, said overspeeding, hit-and-run cases and violations of traffic rules continue to pose a serious challenge. He stressed the need for sustained public awareness along with stricter enforcement.
According to figures presented at the programme, Tripura recorded 577 road accidents and 261 deaths in 2023. The number of accidents remained almost unchanged at 578 in 2024, while fatalities declined to 226. In 2025, accidents fell to 527 and deaths to 197. Till August this year, 413 accidents and 134 deaths have been reported.
Chowdhury said the reduction was the result of coordinated efforts by the Transport Department, Traffic Police and other agencies. He added that similar awareness programmes would be conducted across the state's districts to strengthen road safety consciousness.
The minister also outlined enforcement action against traffic violations. Of 524 non-standard number plates detected, challans were issued in 485 cases, resulting in fines of more than Rs 2 lakh, while notices were served on 39 others.
Auto-rickshaw violations also came under the department's scanner, with 1,863 challans issued. These included 835 cases of permit violations, 328 colour-code violations, 480 parking violations and 220 cases of carrying passengers beyond the permitted limit.
The awareness programme also highlighted three Central government initiatives—Rah-Veer, PM-RAHAT and the Hit-and-Run Compensation Scheme. Chowdhury said PM-RAHAT provides eligible accident victims with cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh, subject to the applicable conditions.
Under the Rah-Veer initiative, individuals who rescue accident victims and take them to a hospital can receive a reward of Rs 25,000. The Hit-and-Run Compensation Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible victims or their families, depending on whether the case involves death or serious injury.
Representatives of urban local bodies, panchayat samitis and zila parishads attended the programme. The initiative aims to spread awareness of road safety measures and government assistance schemes at the grassroots level.
Chowdhury appreciated the Police Department for its cooperation and said stronger public participation, timely medical assistance and responsible driving could significantly reduce road deaths in the state.
