Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha has directed officials to modernize Agartala’s traffic system ahead of Durga Puja. Stressing hydraulic parking, flyover projects, and citizen-friendly policing, he emphasized smooth traffic management under the Smart City project.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha held a high-level review meeting on Saturday at the Civil Secretariat. The meeting brought together top officials from police, administration, and various departments to assess current traffic challenges and discuss long-term solutions under the Smart City project.
CM Calls for Hydraulic Parking to Reduce Congestion
One of the key directives from the Chief Minister was the introduction of hydraulic parking systems at major locations across Agartala. Such systems, which allow vehicles to be stacked vertically using hydraulic lifts, are widely used in metropolitan cities to save space and ease congestion. Dr. Saha emphasized that implementing this technology in Agartala would significantly improve parking management, especially during peak hours and festive occasions such as Durga Puja, when the city sees heavy inflow of vehicles and visitors.
He also stressed the importance of using modern infrastructure to support Agartala’s growing population and evolving urban landscape. “Parking remains one of the biggest challenges in city traffic management. We must explore hydraulic systems to make optimum use of available space,” he reportedly told the officials.
Traffic Discipline and Public-Friendly Approach
Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the Chief Minister laid equal emphasis on discipline and citizen-friendly policing. He instructed the traffic police to take strict action against practices such as unloading and loading of goods during peak hours, prolonged parking on busy roads, and blocking narrow lanes.
At the same time, he underlined that enforcement must go hand-in-hand with public cooperation. Advising traffic personnel to adopt a polite tone while interacting with citizens, he said, “Many issues can be resolved through communication and mutual understanding. Traffic rules must be explained clearly to the public so they feel encouraged to cooperate.”
Progress of Smart City Projects and Flyover Plans
The meeting also reviewed progress under the Agartala Smart City Mission. Dr. Saha directed officials to expedite the construction of concrete roadside drains, ensuring that residents do not face inconvenience during the festive season.
In addition, the Chief Minister sought updates on the proposed double-lane flyover projects. These projects are expected to address long-term congestion and streamline vehicular movement in Agartala, where traffic has steadily increased over the past decade. Dr. Saha stressed that the government must adopt timely measures to adapt to changing urban requirements.
Inputs from Officials and Police
During the meeting, Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Kanta Jangir briefed the Chief Minister on the existing traffic scenario in Agartala and suggested possible solutions. Chief Secretary J. K. Sinha advised that both traffic management and infrastructure development require integrated planning to achieve sustainable results.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Director General of Police Anurag, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, PWD and Power Secretary Abhishek Singh, Tourism Secretary U. K. Chakma, CEO of Agartala Smart City Ltd. Dr. Shailesh Kumar Yadav, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, AMC CEO Dilip Kumar Chakma, and PWD Chief Engineer Rajib Debbarma.
Their presence reflected the government’s seriousness in addressing traffic issues holistically by involving multiple departments—ranging from public works and power to urban planning and law enforcement.
Balancing Development with Festive Preparedness
With Durga Puja approaching, Agartala is expected to witness massive crowds, both from within Tripura and from neighboring states. Traffic bottlenecks during such festive periods often create inconvenience for residents and visitors alike. The Chief Minister’s instructions reflect the government’s determination to strike a balance between development works and citizen convenience, ensuring smooth traffic flow without disruptions.
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By combining modern parking systems, disciplined traffic enforcement, and long-term infrastructure upgrades, the state government aims to transform Agartala into a model city for organized urban mobility.
