Amid growing concerns over traffic mismanagement and worsening congestion across Agartala, most of the city’s electrical traffic signals have reportedly remained non-functional for a long period, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and raising fears of possible accidents.
According to allegations, nearly 90 percent of the traffic signal systems in the city are currently out of order, leading to disorderly movement of vehicles on several busy roads and intersections. With traffic lights failing to operate, many areas are witnessing a “move as you wish” situation, increasing the risk of road mishaps.
The situation becomes particularly difficult during office hours and school opening and closing times, when major roads experience massive traffic congestion. Pedestrians are also facing serious difficulties while crossing roads due to the absence of proper traffic regulation.
Residents have further alleged that the shortage of traffic police personnel at several crucial junctions has worsened the situation. Citizens have demanded immediate repair of the defunct traffic signal systems and deployment of adequate traffic personnel at key intersections to restore order and ensure public safety.
Locals warned that if urgent steps are not taken, a major accident could occur at any time.
Allegations have also surfaced regarding the functioning of traffic personnel. Many commuters claimed that on-duty traffic staff are often more focused on imposing challans on traffic rule violators rather than ensuring smooth traffic movement across the city.
City dwellers also recalled that earlier the Superintendent of Police (Traffic) frequently visited different parts of the city to personally monitor and manage traffic conditions for the convenience of commuters. However, they alleged that the present SP (Traffic) remains mostly confined to office duties, contributing to the worsening traffic chaos in the city.