Bold Step to Control Traffic Chaos: Tripura Introduces Pink Marking for City Auto Rickshaws

Agartala, June 18, 2025:
In a significant step aimed at resolving increasing traffic chaos in Agartala, the Tripura government has announced a new regulation for auto rickshaws operating in the capital city. All city autos will now bear a pink marking to help easily identify them, and stricter restrictions will be imposed on vehicles operating from outside the region.

State Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury unveiled this initiative as part of a larger urban mobility reform to restore order on Agartala’s congested roads.

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Why This Step Was Necessary to Address Traffic Chaos

Over the past several months, Agartala has witnessed growing traffic chaos, mainly due to the influx of unauthorized auto rickshaws from neighboring districts and even other states. These unregulated vehicles have increased road congestion, led to frequent traffic snarls, and sparked economic insecurity among local auto drivers.

“Outside autos, often unregistered or without permits, are flooding the city and creating a parallel, unmonitored system. This not only causes traffic chaos but also affects the livelihood of our local drivers,” said Minister Sushanta Chowdhury during the press briefing.

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What the Pink Marking for Autos Means

To distinguish city-based auto rickshaws from those coming from outside, the government has mandated a pink sticker system. All registered city autos will be marked with pink-colored stripes or stickers for easier recognition by enforcement authorities and the public.

How It Works:

• Autos operating within city limits must display a pink identification mark.
• These vehicles will be allowed to carry passengers within Agartala and designated city zones.
• Any auto without the pink marking will be treated as unauthorized and may face penalties or seizure.

This system is designed to tackle traffic chaos by introducing visual order and monitoring at the street level.

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Restrictions on Outside Auto Rickshaws

A major component of this strategy includes curbing entry of auto rickshaws from outside Agartala. The government is introducing a regulation that:

• Limits entry of non-registered autos into urban areas.
• Prohibits long-distance autos from operating within city boundaries unless they have proper permits.
• Requires all autos crossing into city limits to report at designated traffic monitoring stations.

This is expected to significantly reduce the root causes of traffic chaos—illegal operations and competition leading to erratic driving patterns and blockages.

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Sushanta Chowdhury’s Commitment to Public Welfare

Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has emphasized that these new traffic norms are not against any individual or community but are aimed at protecting the interest of locals and ensuring long-term road safety.

“Our capital cannot afford unregulated traffic anymore. We want to support our own people, especially those who follow the rules and have invested their earnings in auto rickshaws. This move is essential to reduce traffic chaos and create sustainable urban transport,” he explained.

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How This Move Will Help Ease Traffic Chaos

The pink marking system and new restrictions are part of a well-structured traffic management strategy. Key benefits expected include:

• Streamlined urban traffic flow
• Enhanced monitoring by traffic police
• Job protection for licensed local auto drivers
• Reduced road accidents and congestion

The broader vision, according to the state government, is to make Agartala a model city for efficient, lawful, and clean transportation.

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Reaction from Local Auto Unions and Public

The response from local auto unions has largely been positive. Many welcomed the decision as a protection of their rights and an effort to control increasing traffic chaos caused by unfair competition.

“I have been driving an auto in Agartala for 12 years. Lately, we are losing business to outsiders. This pink marking rule gives us hope,” said Ranjit Paul, a city-based auto driver.

However, some raised concerns about implementation and asked for more clarity on how the system will be monitored.

Residents also expressed relief at the prospect of better-regulated roads. “It’s really hard to navigate during office hours. I hope this brings some relief from daily traffic chaos,” said Priyanka Dey, a school teacher.

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What’s Next in Tripura’s Urban Mobility Plan

The government has hinted that this is just the beginning. The transport department will:

• Launch awareness campaigns about the new rule.
• Set up dedicated check-posts at entry points.
• Begin a drive for re-registration and marking of city autos.

In the coming weeks, the success of this initiative will depend largely on coordination between traffic enforcement agencies and transport unions.

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Conclusion: A Promising Strategy Against Traffic Chaos

Tripura’s approach to managing traffic chaos through pink auto markings and outsider restrictions is a smart, bold, and necessary measure. It reflects a growing urgency among Indian states to rethink urban transportation for better efficiency, safety, and social balance.

With sustained implementation and public cooperation, Agartala could soon become an example of how localized, people-first traffic reforms can make a real difference.