With Durga Puja approaching, the Traffic Police of Agartala have launched a series of awareness programmes in the city to control traffic congestion, ensure smooth traffic management and promote safe commuting across the city. As part of the initiative, a special traffic awareness camp was organised at the Nagerjala Bus Stand on Friday.
The awareness programme was organised by the Traffic Unit, Agartala, and was attended by Traffic SP Kanta Jangir and other officials of the Traffic Department. Drivers and owners of various public transport vehicles, including autorickshaws, three-wheelers, buses and jeeps, participated in the programme.
During the camp, Traffic department officials held detailed discussions with drivers and vehicle owners on ways to reduce congestion in the busy areas of the city and make commuting safer and more orderly for the public.
Addressing the gathering, Traffic SP Kanta Jangir said that police efforts alone would not be sufficient to ensure a congestion-free and safe traffic system in Agartala. She stressed the need for collective cooperation from drivers, vehicle owners and the general public.
She urged drivers to strictly follow traffic rules, park their vehicles only at designated places, avoid roadside parking at unauthorised locations and refrain from carrying passengers beyond the permitted capacity. Drivers were also advised to follow prescribed rules while picking up and dropping off passengers.
The Traffic SP further said that vehicular pressure in Agartala is expected to increase significantly in the coming days due to Durga Puja. With crowds expected to increase around markets, puja pandals and major roads, along with a rise in the number of public transport vehicles, it is important to create awareness among drivers and the public about traffic rules in advance.
She called upon everyone to play a responsible role in maintaining smooth traffic movement during the festive season.
During the programme, drivers and owners of autorickshaws, buses, three-wheelers and other vehicles also brought various problems and difficulties to the attention of Traffic Department officials. Issues relating to designated parking areas, passenger pick-up and drop-off points and traffic congestion were discussed in detail.
The Traffic Department assured the participants that their concerns would be considered seriously and that necessary steps would be taken to address the issues.
Officials said that public awareness among transport workers as well as ordinary citizens, along with police efforts, is essential for maintaining a more disciplined traffic system in the city. Such awareness programmes are being given special importance to ensure that residents and visitors can travel smoothly during Durga Puja.
The Traffic Department said that similar awareness camps and programmes would continue to be organised in different parts of Agartala in the coming days to improve traffic awareness and help control congestion in the city.