Agartala, September 25: Nearly 16 lakh traffic e-challans issued in Tripura since 2020 remain unpaid, with outstanding fines amounting to around ₹160 crore, the traffic police said on Friday.
With Durga Puja approaching, the authorities are tightening traffic restrictions in Agartala. Vehicles with pending traffic fines will not be issued passes to enter designated no-entry zones during the festival, Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Kanta Jangir said at a press conference.
Around 6,500 passes were issued last year. This year, however, vehicles with outstanding challans will not be eligible for the passes. Jangir said the decision had been taken following directions from Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha.
The traffic police are also moving towards a fully digital pass system. Any attempt to tamper with a pass or use a forged pass will invite legal action. The pass may also be cancelled and the vehicle may be barred from obtaining such permits in the future, the SP said.
She said the pass system was primarily intended for emergency-service vehicles and should be used only for designated emergency requirements.
According to the traffic police, the State collects around ₹20-30 crore annually in traffic fines, but a substantial amount from previous years remains unpaid.
During Durga Puja, no-entry restrictions will remain in force in several areas from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. between October 17 and 20. Two new no-entry zones have also been added this year.
Specific terminal points have been identified for buses, minibuses, jeeps, autorickshaws and light motor vehicles. During the restricted hours, these vehicles will be allowed to operate only up to the designated terminals.
Separate terminal points have been proposed for trucks and other goods vehicles, for which restrictions will remain in force from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day. The proposed points include Amtali Bypass, Khayerpur Bypass, Madhabbari under Ranirbazar police station, Lichubagan and Border Golchakkar.
Drop gates and CCTV cameras are planned at key terminal points, while additional traffic personnel will be deployed to manage vehicular movement.
The traffic police are also arranging dedicated emergency routes during the Puja period. Parking facilities will be provided for passengers travelling by air and rail.
A detailed traffic advisory for Durga Puja will be issued shortly, Jangir said. It will specify the no-entry zones, terminal points, parking arrangements and emergency routes.
