Tripura has recorded a 34% decrease in road accident-related deaths this year. The update comes from Kanta Jangir, Superintendent of Traffic Police, in a briefing on Wednesday.
The reduction marks a major milestone in the state’s efforts toward improving road safety. From targeted traffic enforcement to public awareness campaigns, multiple steps have contributed to this drop.
Sustained Efforts Pay Off
According to officials, the number of road traffic fatalities this year has seen the steepest decline in over a decade. Jangir said the department had intensified patrolling in accident-prone zones and ramped up digital monitoring.
“We’ve strengthened enforcement and engaged directly with the public. Helmet checks, speed monitoring, and mobile usage penalties have all increased,” she stated.
The department also installed more surveillance cameras across national and state highways. Automated challans and on-the-spot fines discouraged reckless driving.
Public Awareness Campaigns Made a Difference
A series of awareness drives in schools, colleges, and market areas sensitised thousands of citizens. Programs under the ‘Sadak Suraksha Jeevan Raksha’ initiative have especially targeted youth.
Workshops were also held for commercial drivers and public transport operators. Many were trained in defensive driving techniques.
A senior transport official told TripuraInfoHub that these initiatives directly reduced dangerous behavior on roads.
Improved Road Infrastructure Helped
Officials say new road safety features like reflective signage, speed breakers, and lane dividers also played a role. Many accident-prone spots were redesigned.
The state PWD collaborated with the traffic police to identify black spots and undertake structural corrections.
In urban areas like Agartala and Udaipur, better street lighting has helped prevent night-time collisions.
Link Between Weather and Road Safety
Rainy season accidents were also fewer this year. The Traffic Department issued real-time alerts and warnings during heavy rainfall. Also, mobile vans advised drivers to slow down or avoid certain routes.
Jangir said these timely interventions prevented pile-ups, especially along hilly roads in Dhalai and North Tripura.
Community Engagement Boosted Results
Gram panchayats and urban bodies were asked to join the road safety mission. Posters, street plays, and short films were deployed.
“Involving locals worked wonders. Moreover, they became eyes and ears for the police,” said a field officer in West Tripura.
Ongoing Challenges Remain
Despite progress, challenges persist. Overspeeding remains a cause in most fatal crashes. Alcohol-influenced driving, especially on weekends, continues to be reported.
The department aims to introduce breathalyser kits in all districts and increase late-night patrolling.
Plans for 2025-26
The Tripura government plans to introduce AI-based traffic monitoring in Agartala by next year. Pilot testing for smart signals and vehicle behaviour tracking is already underway.
“Technology will be the next big step. But, it must go hand-in-hand with public cooperation,” said Jangir.
Call to Action
Residents are urged to follow traffic rules, wear seatbelts, and avoid distractions while driving. Report reckless behavior through the new Tripura Traffic Helpline: 112.
The police department also announced a toll-free number for accident reporting, and reward schemes for citizens who assist in emergencies.
Tripura’s 34% drop in road accident deaths is a result of sustained, multi-sectoral efforts. From enforcement to education, the model is now being looked at by neighbouring states. Authorities hope the trend will continue, making Tripura a road safety leader in the Northeast.
