Traffic enforcement authorities in Tripura initiated a major drive in Agartala on Friday, detaining more than 100 autorickshaws and e-rickshaws for violating movement restrictions within the capital city. The operation focused on three-wheelers operating beyond their permitted operational zones within the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) area.
Strict Operational Limits for External Three Wheelers
The enforcement campaign follows official guidelines issued under a government notification and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). These regulations restrict autorickshaws and e-rickshaws to a maximum operational radius of 15 km. Under these rules, three-wheelers registered outside the municipal limits are strictly prohibited from entering and plying freely inside core urban corridors.
Permitted Entry Hubs and Drop Off Points
According to Traffic Police Superintendent Kanta Jangir, vehicles coming from outside Agartala are permitted entry into the city only through designated transit points. Outside operators must restrict their movement to specific designated locations, which include the Radhanagar Bus Stand, the Chandrapur Inter-State Bus Stand, and the Nagerjala Bus Stand. Proceeding beyond these designated termination hubs into inner city roads is a direct violation of the rules.
Rising Congestion Prompted Special Drive
Explaining the reason behind the crackdown, Superintendent Kanta Jangir noted that unauthorized outside autorickshaws frequently enter the city center, exacerbating traffic congestion and complicating daily movement control for traffic personnel. Prior to launching the enforcement action, the department conducted extensive awareness campaigns, held consultations with auto-rickshaw worker unions, and repeatedly served formal advisories to drivers. The special detention drive was launched only after operators continued to disregard the repeated warnings.
Exemptions Authorized for Emergency Travel
Despite the strict enforcement, traffic authorities confirmed that specific commuters are granted exemptions from these movement curbs. Emergency allowances remain active for hospital patients, students traveling to examination centers, and passengers with urgent travel needs, ensuring essential movement across Agartala remains uninterrupted.
