Agartala, Tripura: Tripura Traffic Police has tightened vehicle pass rules ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja festivities in Agartala. Traffic Superintendent of Police Kanta Jangir said vehicles with pending traffic fines will not be issued passes for movement through designated restricted areas. The department is also preparing a digital pass system and warning against pass duplication or tampering.
Around 16 lakh e-challans reportedly remain pending since 2020, involving unpaid fines estimated at nearly ₹160 crore. Meanwhile, the Traffic Police is preparing no-entry zones, vehicle terminals, CCTV monitoring and emergency routes to manage the expected festive traffic surge.
Key Facts
- Location: Agartala, Tripura
- Traffic officer: Traffic Superintendent of Police Kanta Jangir
- Pending e-challans: Nearly 16 lakh since 2020
- Estimated unpaid fines: Around ₹160 crore
- Previous year’s passes: Around 6,500
- No-entry timing: 5 pm to 1 am
- Restriction dates: October 17–20, 2026
- Cargo vehicle restriction: 5 pm to 6 am
- New measures: Digital passes, CCTV cameras, drop gates and additional traffic personnel
- Durga Puja 2026: Major celebrations are scheduled from October 17 to October 21 in Tripura.
Vehicles With Pending Fines to Face Pass Restrictions
Tripura Traffic Police has decided to prevent vehicles with outstanding traffic fines from receiving special passes for designated no-entry areas during Durga Puja.
Traffic SP Kanta Jangir announced the measure at a press conference on September 25. The decision follows directions from Chief Minister Manik Saha.
Last year, the Traffic Police issued around 6,500 vehicle passes during the Puja period. This year, vehicles with pending challans will not qualify for such passes, according to the department.
Nearly 16 Lakh E-Challans Pending
The Traffic Police said a large number of traffic fines from previous years remain unpaid. Nearly 16 lakh e-challans issued since 2020 are reportedly still pending.
The unpaid amount is estimated at around ₹160 crore. Tripura currently collects approximately ₹20–30 crore in traffic fines each year, according to the information shared by the Traffic Police.
The figures highlight the department’s efforts to improve compliance with traffic rules and recover outstanding penalties.
Digital Vehicle Pass System Planned
The Traffic Police is also moving towards a fully digital vehicle pass system for the Puja period.
Jangir warned that people found tampering with, duplicating or misusing passes could face legal action. Such passes may also be cancelled, while those involved could be prevented from obtaining passes in the future.
The Traffic SP said the pass system is primarily intended to facilitate essential and emergency services during periods of traffic restrictions.
The department had already invited applications for authorised vehicle passes earlier in September. Applicants were required to submit vehicle and driver documents, while pending e-challans could also be checked during scrutiny.
No-Entry Restrictions From October 17
As part of the Puja traffic plan, no-entry restrictions will operate from 5 pm to 1 am between October 17 and October 20 in several identified areas.
The Traffic Police has also added two new restricted stretches this year. The restrictions are intended to control vehicle movement during the busiest hours of the festivities.
Public transport and other light vehicles will be allowed to operate only up to designated terminal points during the restricted period.
Separate Arrangements for Cargo Vehicles
The department has planned separate terminal points for trucks and other cargo vehicles.
Cargo movement will face restrictions from 5 pm to 6 am during the specified Puja period. Proposed terminal locations include Amtali Bypass, Khayerpur Bypass, Madhab Bari under Ranirbazar police station, Lichubagan and Border Golchakkar.
These arrangements are intended to keep heavy vehicles away from congested areas when pedestrian and vehicle movement increases.
CCTV Cameras and Additional Personnel
The Traffic Police plans to install drop gates and CCTV cameras at important terminal points.
Additional personnel will also be deployed to regulate traffic and monitor compliance with the restrictions.
The department is preparing separate arrangements for emergency routes so that essential services can continue operating despite the traffic restrictions.
Parking facilities are also being planned for passengers travelling to and from Agartala by air and rail.
Traffic Coordination Ahead of Puja
The latest measures are part of a broader traffic-management effort ahead of Durga Puja. Earlier this week, Tripura Traffic Police began engaging with market committees, traders, transport unions and other stakeholders to identify congestion points across Agartala.
Traffic officials have been visiting busy commercial areas to discuss illegal parking, one-way violations, no-entry violations and other issues that could worsen during the festive rush.
Detailed Traffic Advisory to Be Issued
The Traffic Police will issue a detailed Durga Puja traffic advisory shortly.
The advisory is expected to provide information about no-entry zones, vehicle terminal points, parking facilities and emergency routes.
Authorities are preparing the system in advance because Durga Puja brings a significant increase in pedestrian and vehicle movement across Agartala.
Questions and Answers
What is the new rule for vehicle passes?
Vehicles with pending traffic fines will not be eligible for passes to enter designated restricted areas during the Puja period.
How many e-challans are pending?
Nearly 16 lakh e-challans issued since 2020 are reportedly pending.
How much unpaid traffic fine is involved?
The pending amount is estimated at around ₹160 crore.
When will the no-entry restrictions apply?
The restrictions are planned from 5 pm to 1 am between October 17 and October 20, 2026.
What will happen to trucks and cargo vehicles?
Cargo vehicles will face separate restrictions from 5 pm to 6 am and will be directed towards designated terminal points.
Will the vehicle pass system become digital?
Yes. The Traffic Police is moving towards a fully digital pass system and has warned against duplication or tampering.
Location Context
Agartala is the capital of Tripura and the state’s main urban centre. During Durga Puja, the city experiences increased pedestrian movement, shopping activity and vehicle traffic, making traffic regulation particularly important for residents, visitors and emergency services.
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