Traffic Police announces special measures for Durga Puja, strict rules for pass issuance

The Traffic Police has initiated a series of measures to manage the expected surge in the vehicular and pedestrian movement in Agartala during the upcoming Durga Puja and ensure smooth and safe movement across the city.

Traffic SP Kanta Jangir outlined the preparations and traffic regulations at a press conference held at Traffic Bhavan in AD Nagar police line on Friday. 

She discussed traffic management, parking arrangements, congestion-prone areas, e-challans and other measures to be implemented during the festive period.

According to the Traffic SP, several key locations have already been identified where traffic congestion is likely to intensify during the Puja days. Particular attention will be given to the congestion on Nagerjala Bridge and the movement of vehicles around City Centre and Orient Chowmuhani. Traffic arrangements at these locations will be adjusted according to the situation and volume of vehicles.

The department is also focusing on unauthorised parking in busy market areas, violations of no-entry and one-way restrictions, and prolonged parking of heavy vehicles on roads. 

In this connection, the Traffic Police has recently held discussions with traders, market committees and local residents in Maharajganj Bazar to identify the major causes of congestion and explore solutions.

SP Jangir said effective traffic management during Durga Puja would require cooperation from the public, traders, transport organisations and other stakeholders, in addition to enforcement and penalties. She appealed to motorists to strictly follow traffic rules and park vehicles only at designated places.

She further said surveillance and coordination by traffic personnel would be strengthened in busy parts of the city throughout the Puja period.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Police has adopted a stricter approach towards the issuance of Puja passes following allegations of misuse of such passes in previous years.

SP Kanta Jangir said no Puja pass would be issued if there are pending challans against the applicant. She added that Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has given clear directions regarding the matter.

The Traffic Police is also working on introducing a digital system in consultation with the Directorate of Information Technology (DIT) to streamline the pass issuance process and prevent complications.

Explaining the procedures for clearing challans, the Traffic SP said challans issued before April 2026 can be settled through three channels — the e-Challan portal, the Virtual Court portal and the physical court.

However, challans issued after April 2026 will have to be paid through the Traffic Unit and will not be referred to the court, she said. 

She also informed that steps have already been initiated for the introduction of the Next-Gen Challan system.

Regarding traffic restrictions during the upcoming Durga Puja, SP Jangir said no-entry restrictions will remain in force in the city from 5 pm to 1 am on the Puja days. 

She appealed to citizens and all stakeholders to cooperate with the Traffic Police to ensure smooth traffic movement during the festival.