Tripura Traffic Police has intensified preparations for a congestion-free Durga Puja in Agartala, with the department deciding to deny Puja-period entry passes to vehicles that have outstanding traffic challans. The move comes amid nearly 16 lakh pending e-challans, involving unpaid fines of around Rs 160 crore since 2020.
Traffic Superintendent of Police Kanta Jangir said on Friday that last year nearly 6,500 passes were issued to vehicles for movement through designated no-entry areas during the Puja days. This year, however, vehicles carrying pending traffic fines will not be eligible for such passes.
The Traffic Police is also working to introduce a completely digital system for issuing passes. Jangir cautioned that any attempt to duplicate, alter or tamper with a pass would invite legal action. Such passes may also be cancelled, while those involved could be barred from obtaining passes in the future.
She said the pass system is primarily intended to facilitate emergency movement and should not be misused. Vehicles without valid passes will be stopped from entering restricted areas during the specified hours.
According to the Traffic SP, the department collects around Rs 20–30 crore in traffic fines every year, while a large amount remains unpaid from previous years. The decision to link pass issuance with clearance of pending fines has been taken in accordance with instructions from Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha.
Under this year's Puja traffic plan, no-entry restrictions will be imposed from 5 pm to 1 am between October 17 and October 20 in several parts of the city. Two additional no-entry stretches have also been included in the plan.
To prevent traffic bottlenecks, terminal points have been identified for buses, minibuses, jeeps, autos and light motor vehicles. During the restricted hours, these vehicles will be allowed to operate only up to the designated terminals.
Separate arrangements have also been made for trucks and cargo vehicles, which will face restrictions from 5 pm to 6 am. Proposed terminal points include Amtali Bypass, Khayerpur Bypass, Madhab Bari under Ranirbazar police station, Lichubagan and Border Golchakkar.
The department plans to install drop gates and CCTV cameras at key terminal points and deploy additional personnel for traffic management. Special arrangements are also being made to keep emergency routes clear and provide parking facilities for passengers arriving at or departing from the airport and railway station.
A detailed Durga Puja traffic advisory will be issued shortly, containing information on restricted roads, terminal points, parking areas and emergency routes.
