Tripura, 7 Dec 2025: For the second time in three days, lorry drivers staged a road blockade on Sunday near the Celtax area along the National Highway, protesting prolonged delays caused by slow vehicle inspections at the Churaibari checkgate.
The drivers alleged that due to the police’s intensive checking triggered by frequent smuggling of dry cannabis from Tripura to other states each truck is being thoroughly searched, resulting in long lines extending for several kilometres on both sides of the Tripura–Assam border. Many drivers claimed they are being forced to remain stranded on the highway for six to seven days at a stretch.
The agitating drivers demanded that either the checking be done more quickly or scanner machines be installed to expedite the process. “We have been standing on the road for days. There is no access to bathing facilities or toilets. Our suffering has doubled,” the drivers said.
Police, however, argue that skipping checks is not an option, as it would allow drug smugglers to freely carry on their illegal trade. Despite the district police superintendent recently transferring seven officials in connection with the ongoing cannabis smuggling issue, the situation at the checkgate has not improved. Due to limited space in front of the police station, the vehicles have to be checked in a single line, exacerbating congestion.
The long queues are also causing major problems for passenger vehicles and commuters travelling along the interstate route.
Meanwhile, drivers pointed out that the modern Churaibari checkpost has three vacant sheds inside the premises that could be used for vehicle inspections. They believe shifting the checking process to the internal sheds would ease the congestion significantly and reduce the hardship faced by truckers.
