Auto-rickshaw services in AMC areas: Govt modifies restrictions after meeting with unions

In order to prevent daily unwanted traffic congestion in the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) areas, the Transport Department and Traffic Police are set to implement a new effective strategy after a meeting with transport unions.

On June 17 last, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury shared new guidelines during a press conference held at the Secretariat.

Following this, various labour unions, transport syndicates, and other stakeholders requested certain relaxations in the proposed regulations. Taking those appeals into consideration, a crucial meeting was held on Thursday at the Secretariat under the leadership of Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury. Based on the overall situation and representations received, some minor changes and relaxations were introduced to the previously announced guidelines.

In the meeting — attended by senior officials of the Transport Department, law enforcement, Traffic Police, and representatives of various labour unions and syndicates revised decisions were taken.

Now, Auto-rickshaws coming from Narsinghgarh, Bamutia, Gandhigram, and Mohanpur under the Mohanpur Subdivision may now board passengers up to the Gandhi statue near the Circuit House in Agartala city. They must drop passengers there and immediately return to their respective areas. No permanent stop or waiting area for passengers will be allowed at the Circuit House area, and no traffic congestion will be tolerated in that area.

Auto-rickshaws from Jirania, Khayerpur, and Ranirbazar under the Jirania Subdivision may carry passengers either to Chandrapur Bus Stand or the Old Central Jail area, based on the preferences of the respective union and syndicate representatives. After dropping passengers, they must return to their origin points.

Auto-rickshaws arriving from Bishalgarh, Sekherkote, and Amtali must drop passengers at the Nagerjala Motor Stand and return back afterward.

Students traveling from rural areas to various coaching centers within the city will be allowed to use reserved autos. However, after dropping the students at the coaching centers, those autos will not be permitted to carry any passengers within the city.

The Transport Minister reiterated that the previous decision to identify autos allowed to operate within the Agartala Municipal area by a specific marking will remain unchanged. These authorized autos must have the front portion painted pink. The colour scheme for autos from outside the municipal area will remain the same. The minister urged all city auto owners to paint the front of their autos pink as soon as possible.

The Minister also warned that any auto driver found violating these revised rules and operating outside the designated areas will face strict surveillance and legal action.

Lastly, the Transport Minister urged all autos operating outside the Agartala Municipal area to strictly follow the government’s directives.

Other dignitaries present in the meeting including Uttam Kumar Chakma (Secretary, Transport Department), Subrata Chowdhury (Additional Secretary, Transport Department), IG (Law & Order) Monchak Ipper, Dr. Kiran Kumar K (Superintendent of Police, West District) and SP (Traffic) Kanta Jangir.