In a major move to address growing traffic congestion in the state capital, the Tripura government has banned outstation auto-rickshaws from entering Agartala city unless under emergency circumstances. At the same time, the government has introduced a new rule requiring all auto-rickshaws operating within the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) area to be painted pink for easy identification. The decision was announced by Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Choudhury on Tuesday. He said the initiative is aimed at streamlining city traffic and resolving long-standing disputes between local auto drivers and those coming in from other subdivisions.
“Most autos operating within the city do not go outside. However, autos from other parts of the state often enter Agartala without valid road permits. This leads to conflicts with the police and local drivers. To control this, we have decided that autos within the AMC area must be coloured pink, while those from outside will keep their original colour,” said Choudhury. The Minister said the decision was taken after detailed consultations with auto syndicate leaders, vehicle owners, police officials, and the Transport Department. He added that the new colour scheme will help police easily distinguish between city autos and those entering without permission.
Autos from outside Agartala will only be allowed into the city for valid reasons, such as transporting a patient with a hospital referral or taking a passenger to the airport with a valid air ticket. “They must carry proper documentation, or else strict action will be taken,” the Minister added. To implement the new regulation, 13 naka (check) points will be strengthened with tighter surveillance to prevent unauthorised entry of autos from beyond the permissible 15-kilometre operational radius, as defined under the Motor Vehicles Act.
