Tripura introduces pink colour code for city auto-rickshaws to curb route permit violations. Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury outlines penalties and exemptions, and warns against unauthorized commercial use of private vehicles in Agartala.
The Tripura Transport Department has introduced a colour-coding system for auto-rickshaws operating within the Agartala Municipal Corporation area. Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury announced the initiative on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Civil Secretariat, highlighting the growing concern over route permit violations and the need for better identification of city-bound auto-rickshaws.
Auto-rickshaws, which are one of the most accessible and frequently used public transport options in the state, will now bear a distinctive pink marking on the front. This move, according to the minister, is the outcome of extensive consultations with transport unions, police authorities, and other stakeholders.
“The auto-rickshaws plying in Agartala city have been advised to add a pink shade at the frontal side of the three-wheeler. The primary motive is to ensure that auto-drivers do not violate their assigned route permits,” Chowdhury said.
Over the past few years, transport unions and city residents have raised repeated concerns over route violations by auto-rickshaw drivers. In several instances, auto-rickshaws from neighbouring subdivisions have entered city limits, leading to disputes and, in some cases, physical confrontations. These disputes have stemmed from auto-drivers operating outside their designated jurisdictions, causing friction with city-based transport workers.
To resolve these issues and bring order to the system, the Transport Department, along with police and union representatives, decided to implement the colour code. Auto-rickshaws without the pink marking will now be immediately identifiable as operating outside of the Agartala city zone.
“Any auto arriving from adjacent subdivisions will now be identified very easily based on its colour shade. Any violation shall invite heavy penalties,” Chowdhury cautioned.
However, recognizing the need for flexibility in certain cases, the department has announced specific exemptions. “We have granted some exceptions for medical emergencies and air travel-related transport. If passengers or drivers can furnish valid documents during police checks, no penalty will be imposed,” the minister clarified.
He also emphasized that any city-registered auto found ferrying passengers over longer, unauthorized routes will be penalized heavily.
In addition to the colour-code enforcement, the Minister raised concerns about the increasing trend of private vehicles being used for commercial purposes, especially by private schools.
“It has come to our notice that many private vehicles are being used for commercial purposes, particularly by schools. We are going to issue notices to all schools, urging them to ensure that vehicles used for student transport are commercially registered,” he added.
Chowdhury warned that private individuals misusing non-commercial vehicles for commercial gains would also be held accountable. A deadline of one month has been issued for all such operators to convert their registration to commercial status.
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This regulatory step is seen as a proactive approach by the state government to ensure smoother operation of urban transport, reduce conflict among transport workers, and enhance commuter safety. The move also marks a clear intent to streamline vehicle operations across subdivisions and reinforce compliance among drivers.
While the introduction of the pink shade may seem like a small change, it has significant implications for maintaining order in Tripura’s urban transport network. By clearly demarcating city autos from those registered in surrounding areas, the government aims to create a more transparent and disciplined transportation ecosystem in Agartala.
