Agartala city is grappling with severe traffic congestion as the ongoing cover drain construction project disrupts vehicular movement across several key stretches. The ambitious project, aimed at upgrading the city’s drainage system to tackle monsoon waterlogging, has become a source of daily struggle for commuters, office-goers, students, and traders.
The work, being carried out in multiple phases, has not been complemented by proper traffic diversion plans or alternative routes. As a result, long queues of vehicles have become a regular sight, especially in congested areas like Abhoy Nagar, Indranagar, RMS Chowmuhani, and other major roads. During peak hours, commuters often remain stuck for over an hour.
The situation is further worsened by the poor condition of roads. In many areas, roads are left dug up or riddled with large potholes, as final resurfacing and back topping are yet to be completed. Residents in affected areas report difficulties in accessing garages and parking spaces due to damaged roadsides.
Local shopkeepers and traders have voiced concern over falling footfall and declining sales, blaming the prolonged congestion and limited parking for discouraging customers. Parents have also raised alarms over children being stuck in traffic for hours in school buses and vans. Auto and rickshaw drivers say their daily earnings are taking a hit due to fewer trips.
In response, Mayor Dipak Majumder recently inspected the worst-affected Abhoy Nagar stretch and assured the public that the project would be completed before Durga Puja. He added that AMC is working round the clock to minimise public inconvenience during the festive season.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has also chaired a high-level meeting to address the issue and instructed officials to explore the introduction of hydraulic parking systems to ease roadside congestion.
