Traffic movement on key routes connecting Khowai with Agartala, Kamalpur and Kailashahar remained suspended for several hours on Monday following an alleged assault on a bus driver and his assistant. The abrupt halt in services caused widespread inconvenience to commuters and disrupted normal life across multiple regions.
According to local sources, the incident took place along the Khowai-Kamalpur road in Kamalpur, where a group of miscreants allegedly attacked the driver and co-driver of a passenger bus. The reasons behind the assault were not immediately known. In protest against the incident, sections of transport operators reportedly decided to suspend bus services from Monday morning until late at night.
As a result, bus operations on several important routes—including Khowai-Agartala, Agartala-Khowai, Agartala-Kamalpur and Kailashahar via Khowai—came to a standstill. The suspension was reportedly carried out without any prior public notice, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at bus stands and roadside points.
With regular bus services halted, commuters were forced to seek alternative modes of transport. Although some small vehicles, including autorickshaws and private cars such as Maruti and Eco vans, continued to ply on the Khowai-Agartala route, passengers alleged that these operators charged significantly inflated fares.
According to commuters, the usual fare for the route is considerably lower, but on Monday morning, passengers were asked to pay Rs 200 per person for a one-way journey. As the day progressed and demand increased, the fare was reportedly raised further to Rs 300 per person. Many travellers said they had little choice but to pay the higher rates due to urgent commitments.
“The sudden suspension of bus services without any notice caused serious hardship. People travelling for examinations, medical appointments, weddings, and even those with pre-booked flight tickets were badly affected. We had no option but to pay the inflated fares,” a commuter said.
The disruption not only caused financial strain but also added to the stress and uncertainty faced by passengers throughout the day. Several travellers expressed concern over the lack of contingency measures during such emergencies.
Police officials confirmed that an investigation into the alleged assault on the bus crew has been initiated. “We are looking into the matter, and appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry,” a police officer stated.
Authorities are expected to review the situation to prevent similar disruptions in the future and ensure the safety of transport workers and commuters alike.
