The state government has imposed restrictions on auto-rickshaws from outside the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) area, barring their entry into the city without valid reasons. 

Additionally, all autos operating within Agartala city must be painted pink for easy identification.

Announcing the move today, Transport Minister Sushanta Choudhury said the decision was taken to ease traffic congestion and regulate unauthorized vehicle movement in the city.

“A review meeting was held on June 10 with officials from the Transport and Traffic Departments, senior police officers, and auto syndicate leaders. It was observed that while city autos rarely operate outside the AMC limits, autos from other subdivisions frequently enter Agartala without proper road permits, leading to disputes with local drivers and enforcement agencies,” the Minister said.

He added that all autos operating within AMC limits must now be painted pink, while those from other subdivisions will retain their original colours. Outstation autos entering Agartala will only be allowed under special circumstances — such as dropping a passenger at the airport (with air ticket proof) or during medical emergencies (with referral documents).

“Without valid reasons, such autos will face penalties. One month’s time has been given to city auto owners to repaint their vehicles. This move will streamline operations and reduce congestion,” Choudhury said.

The Minister also directed the Joint Transport Commissioner to issue notices to schools, asking them not to engage private vehicles lacking commercial permits for student transport.

Citing the Motor Vehicles Act, he said autos are permitted to operate only within a 15-km radius. “Autos coming from beyond this limit into AMC areas will be treated as violators. To curb unauthorized entries, surveillance will be increased at 13 naka points,” he added.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate and enforce these restrictions will be prepared by the SP Traffic, the Minister informed.