Tripura’s Public Transport in Crisis: 18 Years Without New TRTC Buses, No Chairman Appointed

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 19, 2025

Tripura’s public transport system is facing a severe crisis, with the Tripura Road Transport Corporation (TRTC) almost non-functional. A shocking revelation has surfaced that no new buses have been procured for TRTC since 2007, and the state transport authorities remain without a functioning chairman or proper administrative structure.

According to the news sources, the TRTC has not introduced a single new bus in the last 18 years. Once a key pillar of public mobility in the state, TRTC now operates with an extremely limited fleet. The current condition of the buses is deplorable, and many routes across districts have been suspended due to lack of vehicles and manpower.

The situation worsened after 2018 when the BJP-led state government took charge. Despite multiple assurances, there has been no initiative to revive TRTC’s services. Many of the buses that were in operation during the Left Front regime have now either broken down or been scrapped due to lack of maintenance. Even the attempt to introduce 14 new buses in 2021 under the PWD fund was not followed up with any recruitment or infrastructure development.

In addition, the TRTC continues to operate without a chairman, highlighting a serious lack of leadership and direction. The position has remained vacant for an extended period, resulting in complete administrative paralysis. Transport experts argue that without a chairman, strategic planning, budgeting, and departmental coordination are virtually impossible.

Moreover, there has been no recruitment of TRTC staff since 2008–09. In fact, while the sanctioned number of posts is over 300, less than 120 employees are currently in service, most of whom are nearing retirement. This has led to delays in service delivery, ticketing, and vehicle maintenance.

Opposition leaders and transport unions have several times voiced serious concerns over the state’s transport policies. One transport union leader allege that the government is deliberately neglecting TRTC in favor of private operators. The lack of a clear vision, failure to replace aging buses, and no recruitment drive have brought the corporation to the brink of collapse.

Experts have warned that if the current state of negligence continues, TRTC might face permanent closure. They have demanded immediate intervention from the state government, the appointment of a chairman, fresh recruitment of staff, and procurement of new buses to restore TRTC’s dignity and ensure proper transportation for the people of Tripura.

more news...