Agartala, October 10, 2026: Tripura has recorded a 9 per cent decline in road accidents and a 15 per cent reduction in fatal accidents in 2025 compared to 2024, while road accident deaths have decreased by nearly 13 per cent, Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha said on Saturday.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a road safety equipment distribution programme organised jointly by the Tripura Police and the Transport Department at the AD Nagar Police Ground in Agartala. The initiative aims to strengthen traffic management and improve road safety across the state.
Road safety equipment, including breath analysers, trolley barricades, helmets, raincoats, reflective jackets and road divider poles, was distributed through the Road Safety Fund at a total cost of Rs 1.29 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Saha said road accidents could not be prevented merely by enacting laws or strengthening traffic management systems. Collective efforts, increased public awareness and a sense of responsibility among citizens were essential to make roads safer.
He highlighted the devastating consequences of road accidents, noting that the death or permanent disability of an individual often leaves their family facing long-term emotional and financial hardship.
The Chief Minister observed that rapid urbanisation and the growing number of private vehicles had created significant challenges for traffic management in Tripura’s towns and cities, where road infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace.
He stressed the need for better coordination among the Police, Transport, Health and Public Works departments to prevent accidents and reduce fatalities. Regular interdepartmental discussions and coordinated action, he said, were crucial to addressing road safety challenges.
Saha also called for greater use of technology in traffic management, increased digital surveillance and enhanced police patrolling at accident-prone locations. He urged the concerned departments to conduct awareness campaigns among the public and drivers about traffic rules and the consequences of reckless driving.
Emphasising the importance of road safety among young people, the Chief Minister advised parents to educate their children about traffic regulations and responsible driving practices.
He particularly stressed the importance of wearing helmets while riding scooters and motorcycles and warned against speeding. He said risking one’s own life and the lives of others for momentary excitement was unacceptable. He also urged the Police Department to take stricter action against improper roadside parking at night.
Referring to efforts to address parking problems in Agartala, Saha said a multi-storey parking facility had already been developed at the old motor stand. The government was also considering similar facilities at Battala and Netaji Chowmuhani. He urged Agartala Municipal Corporation and other concerned departments to ensure adequate parking provisions in residential complexes and shopping malls.
Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said the Transport Department was working closely with the police administration to reduce road accidents. He noted that 16 ambulances had been provided to the police force and modern interceptor vehicles had been supplied for every district to strengthen enforcement and emergency response.
The minister also highlighted measures to encourage assistance to road accident victims. Under the Rah-Veer scheme, people who help accident victims are eligible for financial rewards. So far, 11 individuals in Tripura have received Rs 25,000 each under the scheme.
He further said that under the Central Government’s PM RAHAT scheme, accident victims could receive cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh at registered hospitals. A total of Rs 6.5 lakh had been provided under the scheme in Tripura so far.
Additionally, compensation of Rs 2 lakh is provided to the family of a person killed in a hit-and-run accident, while Rs 50,000 is available for medical treatment in eligible cases.
Chowdhury said the objective of both the Central and state governments was to bring road accidents down to zero.
During the programme, Chief Minister Saha symbolically handed over a breath analyser to SP Traffic Kanta Jangir.
The event began with a welcome address by officiating Director General of Police G. S. Rao. Secretary of the Urban Development Department Milind Ramteke, Transport Department Secretary Uttam Kumar Chakma and senior officials from the Police and Transport departments were also present.
The programme highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen traffic enforcement, improve emergency response and promote responsible road use across Tripura.
