Congress Slams One-Sided Auto Regulation Move by Transport Minister, Demands Realistic Traffic Policy for Agartala
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, June 30, 2025
The Pradesh Congress has strongly criticized the unilateral decision announced by Tripura's Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury regarding the regulation of auto-rickshaw movement in Agartala, labeling it as impractical and counterproductive. In a sharp statement released on Sunday, Congress spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty warned that such sudden measures would not ease traffic congestion but rather worsen the situation in the capital city.
According to Chakraborty, the Transport Minister recently declared in a press conference that in order to decongest Agartala, a new directive would control the movement of auto-rickshaws, including restrictions on Auto with external permits and changes in their color schemes. However, within just 48 hours of the announcement, the government partially rolled back some provisions amid public backlash and confusion.
Congress has questioned the logic and planning behind the move, alleging that these top-down decisions are being enforced without any scientific traffic study or consultation with stakeholders. "This is not traffic management but a publicity stunt. Real traffic solutions must be based on scientific and practical planning," Chakraborty said.
He also raised concerns that the monitoring of these new directives is being handed over to politically affiliated syndicate leaders who are allegedly involved in corrupt practices. "How will this end road accidents or the growing number of fatalities? Instead, it will increase financial burdens on passengers and daily commuters, particularly students, patients, and working individuals," Chakraborty added.
The Congress further criticized the government's earlier traffic initiatives as being riddled with scams and favoritism. Citing an example from 2018, Chakraborty alleged that massive funds were allocated to paint white lines on city roads, which was awarded to a contractor closely linked to the former Chief Minister. “This benefited a select few but brought no long-term improvement to road infrastructure,” he claimed.
Another point of contention was the failed implementation of meter-based auto fares, introduced in 2022. Auto drivers were compelled to purchase costly meters from government-designated companies, costing around Rs. 4,000 plus additional registration and renewal charges. In comparison, similar meters are available in Guwahati for under Rs. 1,000. Despite the expenses, the meter system has yet to be enforced.
Congress also pointed to the livelihood crisis facing over one lakh workers operating battery-powered and electric autos across Tripura. Many of these individuals have taken high-interest loans from microfinance institutions to purchase vehicles. With town bus services nearly non-functional, public transport has come to depend largely on these auto-rickshaws. However, rising costs, reduced incomes, and syndicate-imposed commissions have placed immense pressure on these drivers.
"The livelihoods of nearly four lakh people, including the families of drivers, are at risk. If they fail to meet loan installments on time, they face threats and harassment. Meanwhile, syndicates backed by ruling party interests impose illegal commissions, failing which drivers are penalized or barred from operating," Chakraborty said.
Congress has demanded the formulation of a realistic, science-backed urban transport policy for Agartala and other towns in Tripura. It urged the state government to refrain from issuing arbitrary, populist orders and instead focus on inclusive, transparent, and sustainable traffic solutions. The party also called on citizens and civil society to raise their voices against the growing control of transport syndicates and the deterioration of public transport services.
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