Agartala, September 25: Special traffic arrangements will be put in place in Agartala during Durga Puja to regulate the anticipated rush of vehicles and pedestrians, Traffic SP Kanta Jangir said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference at Traffic Bhavan in the AD Nagar police line, Jangir said traffic personnel would be deployed strategically at busy points and enforcement against violations would be strengthened during the festive period.
Nagerjala Bridge, City Centre and Orient Chowmuhani have been identified as major congestion-sensitive areas, she said, adding that traffic movement at these locations would be regulated according to the volume of vehicles and the situation on the ground.
The Traffic Police will also monitor illegal parking in commercial areas, violations of one-way and no-entry restrictions and heavy vehicles occupying roads for long periods.
Jangir said consultations had been held with traders, market committees and residents of Maharajganj Bazar as part of efforts to identify the causes of congestion and improve traffic management in the area.
She appealed to motorists to comply with traffic rules and use designated parking spaces, stressing that effective management of the Puja rush would require cooperation from citizens, traders, transport bodies and other stakeholders.
Traffic surveillance and coordination among personnel will be strengthened at key locations throughout the festival, she said.
On Puja passes, Jangir said the department had introduced stricter conditions in view of concerns over their misuse in previous years. Applicants having pending traffic challans will not be issued passes, she said, adding that the decision followed directions from Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha.
The Traffic Police is also working with the Directorate of Information Technology (DIT) to introduce a digital system for Puja pass applications and issuance.
Jangir said challans issued before April 2026 could be settled through the e-Challan portal, Virtual Court or the physical court. Challans issued after April 2026, however, would have to be cleared through the Traffic Unit and would not be sent to court.
The department has also initiated steps to introduce the Next-Gen Challan system, she said.
As part of the festival traffic plan, no-entry restrictions will be imposed in Agartala from 5 pm to 1 am during the Puja days.
Jangir urged residents and all other stakeholders to cooperate with the Traffic Police and adhere to the temporary restrictions to help maintain orderly and safe traffic movement across the city.
