Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder inspected the Nagicherra Fish Transhipment Yard to assess its operations, review shortcomings, and outline improvement plans involving security rooms, lighting, and drinking water facilities, ensuring smoother fish transportation, reduced congestion, and better hygiene for city markets.
Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder on Tuesday conducted an on-site inspection of the Nagicherra Fish Transhipment Yard, a key facility located on the outskirts of the capital city. The visit aimed to evaluate the yard’s day-to-day functioning, identify operational shortcomings, and explore ways to strengthen its role in streamlining fish transportation across Agartala.
During the inspection, Mayor Majumder interacted with officials, workers, and members of the yard’s managing committee to assess the existing infrastructure and understand the challenges faced by staff and transporters. The inspection covered areas such as cold storage operations, unloading platforms, driver rest facilities, and overall maintenance of the transhipment zone.
Speaking to the media after the visit, the Mayor highlighted the core purpose behind establishing the Nagicherra Fish Transhipment Yard. He explained that the facility was created to shift the unloading of fish-laden trucks from crowded city markets to a designated, organised space on the outskirts. This initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion inside Agartala, particularly in busy commercial zones, while also improving hygiene and handling standards for fish arriving from various states.
“The yard provides essential services for transporters, including resting space, food arrangements and basic relaxation areas for drivers. Fish brought in bulk quantities from different regions and neighbouring states are stored in the cold storage unit to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage,” Mayor Majumder said. He further informed that the project was constructed at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore, reflecting a major investment in modernising commodity handling infrastructure in the city.
The facility was formally inaugurated on October 12, 2023, by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha as part of Tripura’s broader focus on development, cleanliness and smart urban management. Since its launch, the transhipment yard has served as a critical point for fish distribution, catering to hundreds of vendors and wholesalers who rely on timely unloading and safe storage.
However, the Mayor acknowledged that despite its usefulness, several issues continue to affect smooth functioning at the yard. Some of these problems were highlighted by workers and committee members during his visit. “We are aware that certain shortcomings remain. Discussions with the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) are underway to resolve them at the earliest. Our priority is to ensure the yard functions efficiently and meets the needs of traders and transporters,” he said.
Mayor Majumder outlined a list of upgrades that the municipal body is planning to introduce soon. These upcoming works include setting up a dedicated room for security guards, ensuring availability of adequate drinking water facilities for workers and drivers, and installing proper lighting arrangements across the yard to improve safety and night-time work efficiency.
He emphasised that these improvements are necessary to maintain the momentum of urban reforms and to ensure that the transhipment yard fulfils its intended purpose. The Mayor also instructed officials to regularly monitor the facility and maintain hygiene, waste management, and overall cleanliness standards.
Local traders expressed cautious optimism following the Mayor’s visit. Several fish wholesalers pointed out issues related to water supply, lighting and security that have affected operations, especially during peak unloading hours. They welcomed the Mayor’s assurance of improvement and hoped for swift implementation of the proposed upgrades.
Transportation workers, particularly truck drivers who travel long distances to deliver fish consignments, also highlighted the need for expanded rest areas, better sanitation facilities, and additional shelters during adverse weather conditions. Many said the yard has significantly reduced the need to enter congested city zones, saving time and easing traffic pressure, but improvements in facilities would further benefit both workers and traders.
The Nagicherra Fish Transhipment Yard plays a vital role in Tripura’s supply chain framework, especially given the high daily demand for fish across Agartala’s markets. By centralising unloading, sorting, and short-term storage activities, the facility not only reduces traffic inside the city but also enhances hygienic handling of perishable goods. Officials believe that with the proposed upgrades, the yard can become a model facility supporting efficient and sustainable food distribution.
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Mayor Majumder concluded that the AMC will continue to monitor all shortcomings and work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the yard keeps pace with the city’s rising logistical demands. The inspection marks a renewed commitment to improving urban infrastructure and strengthening Agartala’s market supply systems.
