The Tripura government has announced a significant policy change to regulate auto-rickshaw operations in Agartala city. As per the new directive, all auto-rickshaws operating within Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) limits must be painted pink for identification purposes. This measure, announced by Transport Minister Sushanta Choudhury, aims to reduce traffic congestion and make urban transport more efficient and organized.

The decision follows a high-level meeting held on June 10, involving key stakeholders including the Transport and Traffic Departments, the IG of Tripura Police, SP Traffic, auto syndicate leaders, and vehicle owners. The government observed that while city autos rarely go outside Agartala, autos from other subdivisions frequently enter the city, often without valid road permits for the AMC area. These unauthorized entries result in fines by police and sometimes lead to disputes between local auto drivers, police, and the violators.

To tackle this issue, the government has decided that autos operating in Agartala must be distinctly marked with a pink color, enabling quick identification. In contrast, autos from outside the city will retain their existing colors. This move is intended to clearly differentiate local autos from outstation ones and help authorities manage urban transport more effectively.

Autos from outside Agartala will no longer be permitted to enter the city unless under emergency situations such as transporting a passenger to the airport or hospital. In such cases, drivers must carry valid documents like air tickets or hospital referrals. The police and auto unions will work together to facilitate genuine cases. However, if any outstation auto is found roaming within the AMC area without valid reasons or documents, strict action will be taken.

Auto owners operating within the city limits will be given one month to repaint their vehicles in compliance with the pink color mandate. This grace period is intended to ensure a smooth transition and avoid operational disruptions.

Additionally, the government is cracking down on the illegal use of private vehicles for transporting school children. The Joint Transport Commissioner will issue official notices to all educational institutions, instructing them not to use private vehicles without commercial licenses for passenger transport. This enforcement is in line with the Motor Vehicles Act and aims to enhance safety and regulatory compliance.

The Minister also highlighted the operational limits as per the Motor Vehicles Act, which allows three-wheeler autos to function only within a 15-kilometre radius. Consequently, autos from beyond the AMC limits that exceed this distance will be barred from entering Agartala.

To implement this policy effectively, surveillance will be intensified at 13 key checkpoint locations (naka points) around the city. These checkpoints will serve as monitoring zones to prevent unauthorized auto entries into the municipal area.

Furthermore, the SP Traffic has been assigned to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide enforcement efforts, define protocols, and ensure systematic handling of violations. The SOP will be crucial in coordinating actions among the police, transport officials, and auto unions.

Overall, the government’s new auto-rickshaw policy represents a proactive attempt to bring order to Agartala’s growing traffic challenges and ensure compliance with urban transport norms.