Vice President’s Tripura Visit Triggers Traffic Chaos, Patients and Commuters Stranded Amid Tight Security

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 8, 2026

The two-day visit of India’s Vice President CP Radhakrishnan to Tripura witnessed grand official events and high-level meetings, but it also sparked public anger as strict security arrangements caused severe traffic disruptions across Agartala, Udaipur, Bishalgarh and Bishramganj. Several commuters, including patients, remained stranded on roads for long periods as key routes were temporarily blocked for the VIP movement.

The Vice President arrived in the state to attend a series of important programmes including the 14th Convocation of Tripura University, interactions with self-help group members at Hapania International Fair Ground, and visits to major religious and developmental sites including Elbert Ekka Park. During the convocation ceremony, he described the university as a growing centre of teaching, research and innovation and highlighted the importance of youth participation in building a knowledge-driven society.

The Vice President also emphasised that initiatives such as the Matabari Tourism Circuit could strengthen Tripura’s presence on the global map of spiritual and eco-tourism while generating employment and boosting the local economy. He noted that the past decade has seen significant development across India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The convocation ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, Governor Indrasena Reddy, Chief Secretary Jitendra Kumar Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag Dhankar, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shyamal Das and other officials.

Earlier in the day, the Vice President visited the revered Tripura Sundari Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where he offered prayers seeking peace, prosperity and well-being for the people. He also attended an interaction programme with women from self-help groups at the International Fair Ground in Hapania, where discussions focused on women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and the role of grassroots initiatives in strengthening the rural economy.

However, while the official programmes highlighted development and empowerment, the strict security measures imposed during the visit led to widespread inconvenience for the public. Long stretches of roads along the VIP movement route were closed or heavily regulated, leaving many vehicles stuck for extended periods.

Eyewitnesses reported that at several points in Agartala, Udaipur, Bishalgarh and Bishramganj, ambulances and vehicles carrying patients were forced to wait in traffic as police halted movement during the Vice President’s convoy passage. In one incident near the Bishalgarh bypass, a heart patient reportedly remained stranded in traffic while authorities enforced security restrictions.

Many commuters expressed frustration, saying that while security for high-profile visits is necessary, emergency vehicles and patients should never be stopped. Several residents also questioned whether better traffic management could have prevented the hardships faced by ordinary people.

Some citizens suggested that increased use of helicopter travel for VIPs could reduce road blockages and public inconvenience during such visits. Others stressed that administrative planning must balance security requirements with the fundamental need to ensure uninterrupted movement for medical emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Tripura Police, whose motto is “Seva, Veerta, Bandhuta”, meaning Service, Courage and Friendship, faced criticism on social media from people who felt the situation reflected poor coordination in traffic management.

Despite the controversy, the Vice President’s visit marked several significant engagements in the state, including academic recognition at the university convocation and interactions aimed at promoting women’s self-reliance and economic empowerment.

The incident has reignited debate on VIP security protocols in India and the need for more citizen-friendly arrangements to ensure that public safety and emergency services are never compromised during high-profile visits.

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