Tripura’s auto-rickshaw entry curbs in Agartala trigger protests as transport unions demand withdrawal, citing livelihood concerns and seeking stakeholder consultation.
The Tripura government’s decision to restrict the entry of auto-rickshaws carrying passengers from outside the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) area has triggered protests from transport workers’ organisations across political affiliations. Several unions have opposed the move, arguing that the restrictions could adversely affect the livelihood of thousands of auto-rickshaw and e-rickshaw drivers who depend on city routes for their daily income.
The protests were organised separately by transport workers’ bodies, including the CITU-affiliated All India Transport Workers’ Federation, E-rickshaw Sramik Sangha and the Mazdoor Monitoring Cell-affiliated E-rickshaw Sramik Samiti. The organisations have demanded that the government withdraw the restrictions and consult transport workers before implementing measures that directly affect their livelihood.
According to sources in the Traffic Department, a blanket restriction has recently been enforced on auto-rickshaws that do not possess explicit transport permits to provide passenger services within the Agartala Municipal Corporation area. The decision has been taken jointly by the AMC, Transport Department and Traffic Unit of Tripura Police as part of efforts to address growing traffic congestion in the state capital.
A Traffic Department official said the number of three-wheelers operating in Agartala has increased substantially in recent years, making traffic management increasingly difficult. Authorities believe that restricting the entry of vehicles from outside the city would help reduce congestion and make traffic regulation more effective.
The restrictions apply to both battery-operated e-rickshaws and CNG-powered auto-rickshaws. Authorities have designated specific points where vehicles arriving from different directions must drop passengers before returning.
Vehicles approaching Agartala from the southern side have been instructed to drop passengers at Nagerjala. Autos arriving through the airport road are required to return from Radhanagar, while vehicles coming from the Jirania side are reportedly not permitted to travel beyond Chandrapur.
The decision, however, has drawn sharp criticism from transport unions, which maintain that traffic management measures should not come at the expense of drivers’ livelihoods.
CITU leader Amal Chakraborty criticised the government’s decision and said transport workers were not consulted before the restrictions were introduced. He argued that while unions do not oppose measures aimed at addressing traffic congestion, any such policy should take into account the economic difficulties faced by auto and e-rickshaw drivers.
Chakraborty led a delegation of the All India Transport Workers’ Federation to the office of the Joint Transport Commissioner in Agartala. The delegation urged the authorities to reconsider the decision and consult major transport unions, daily commuters and other stakeholders before enforcing restrictions.
The union also raised concerns over previous government directions, including the installation of meters in auto-rickshaws. According to Chakraborty, drivers had been instructed to install meters at their own expense, but the system has yet to become operational.
Meanwhile, the E-rickshaw Sramik Sangha submitted a deputation to the District Magistrate and Collector of West Tripura. The organisation submitted an 11-point charter of demands and appealed to the government to address the problems faced by e-rickshaw drivers.
The Sangha also referred to the Chief Minister’s intervention in resolving issues related to electricity bills and expressed hope that similar consideration would be given to the concerns of transport workers affected by the latest restrictions.
Another organisation, the Mazdoor Monitoring Cell-affiliated E-rickshaw Sramik Samiti, organised a sit-in demonstration at City Centre in Agartala. The protest also witnessed significant participation from e-rickshaw drivers, highlighting the growing concern among workers dependent on city-based passenger services.
Transport workers said e-rickshaw drivers could be particularly affected because a large share of e-autos are connected with online ride-aggregator applications. According to them, restrictions on entering and moving freely within the city could disrupt their ability to accept passengers and complete rides.
The authorities, however, have maintained that the restrictions are intended primarily to control traffic congestion and improve the management of three-wheelers in densely populated parts of Agartala.
| Also Read: Bishramganj Violence: Contractors, TSR Trooper Injured as Vehicles Vandalised |
Certain exemptions have reportedly been provided for emergency situations. However, transport unions are seeking a broader review of the restrictions and greater consultation with stakeholders before the policy is continued.
The issue has brought transport unions from different political backgrounds onto a common platform, with organisations collectively demanding that the government reconsider the restrictions while finding an alternative solution to Agartala’s traffic problems without placing an excessive burden on auto and e-rickshaw drivers.
