Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha plans to raise the Churaibari traffic congestion issue with Assam CM, addressing border vehicle jams, pollution concerns, illegal stone crushing, overweight transport violations, and alleged extortion rackets to ensure smoother interstate movement and public safety.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Monday announced that he would formally raise the issue of chronic traffic congestion at Churaibari, located along the Assam–Tripura border, with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to work towards a long-term and sustainable resolution. The Chief Minister’s remarks came after he concluded a visit to North Tripura district, where he personally reviewed several administrative and civic issues following repeated public complaints.
Speaking to media persons, Dr Saha said that the persistent traffic snarls at Churaibari have become a major concern for commuters, transporters, and residents of border areas. He said that the problem largely stems from vehicle checking procedures being carried out on the Assam side of the border, where limited space at the checking point often leads to long queues of stranded vehicles. These queues, he said, routinely spill over onto the national highway, triggering severe traffic congestion and disrupting the movement of essential goods.
The Chief Minister stated that he visited Churaibari after receiving multiple grievances from local residents and transport stakeholders. During his visit, he instructed the concerned authorities to take strict action and ensure that public inconvenience is minimized. He emphasized that while vehicle checks are important for law enforcement and security, they must be conducted in a manner that does not paralyze interstate traffic.
Dr Saha said that he would discuss the issue directly with the Assam Chief Minister to explore possible solutions, including better traffic management, expansion of checking infrastructure, and improved coordination between the two states. He stressed that since Churaibari serves as a crucial gateway between Tripura and the rest of the country, uninterrupted traffic flow is essential for economic activity and public convenience.
Apart from the traffic issue, the Chief Minister also addressed complaints related to a stone crushing unit operating in the Churaibari area. He said that when he visited the site, the unit was found to be shut. According to information provided to him, the unit had been responsible for causing severe environmental pollution in nearby localities, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among residents.
Dr Saha pointed out that stone crushing units are legally required to be located at a stipulated distance from national highways and residential areas. He said that upon inquiry, the operators of the unit claimed they had applied for environmental clearance, but the lack of proper monitoring had allowed the situation to deteriorate significantly.
Highlighting environmental concerns, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of adequate dust suppression measures, including regular watering and adherence to pollution control norms. He said environmental protection cannot be compromised for commercial gain and warned that violations would invite strict action.
The Chief Minister further expressed concern over the transportation of stones in overweight vehicles. He said that although fines were imposed on violators, the penalty amounts were too low to act as an effective deterrent. As a result, overloading had become routine, causing damage to roads, increasing pollution, and posing serious safety risks.
“This practice must stop. We need reforms to ensure stricter enforcement and meaningful penalties,” Dr Saha said, adding that relevant departments have been directed to review existing regulations and strengthen monitoring mechanisms.
During his visit, Dr Saha also inspected the Indian Oil depot in the area. He said he was informed about an alleged racket involved in extorting money from truck drivers and transport operators. Taking a firm stand, the Chief Minister instructed all concerned officials not to entertain or tolerate any such illegal activities.
He further directed Indian Oil officials to immediately report any future incidents related to extortion or harassment. “No rackets will be allowed to operate under any circumstances,” he said, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and exploitation.
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The Chief Minister mentioned that he was also scheduled to visit the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown during his tour, but could not do so due to time constraints. However, he assured that inspections would be carried out at a later date to ensure transparency and efficiency in food storage and distribution systems.
Dr Saha concluded by stating that his government remains committed to addressing public grievances through direct field visits, inter-state coordination, and strict administrative action. He emphasized that issues affecting daily life, trade, and environmental safety would continue to receive top priority.
