Tripura 9% Drop In Road Accidents And 15% Decline In Fatal Crashes : Chief Minister Of Tripura Dr. Manik Saha At Safety Equipment Distribution Programme.

Agartala, Tripura, 10th of October, 2026 : With the initiative of Transport Department Government of Tripura organized  distribution of various road safety equipment event in the collaboration of Police Department at the AD Nagar Police Ground, Agartala, Tripura on Saturday (10th October, 2026). In the presence of many distinguished dignitaries Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has inaugurated the event.

Addressing at the event Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said that road accidents cannot be prevented, nor can the traffic management system be strengthened, through legislation alone. These goals can be achieved only through collective efforts, increased public awareness, and a clear understanding of one’s responsibilities and duties. With the objective of further strengthening the traffic management system across Tripura, various road safety equipment, including breath analysers, trolley barricades, helmets, raincoats, reflective jackets and road divider poles, were distributed under the Road Safety Fund at the programme. A total of ₹1.29 crore was spent on the initiative.

Addressing about the improvement of traffic management at the programme, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha said that the government aims to reduce road accidents by strengthening road safety measures across the state. He emphasised that when a person loses their life or becomes permanently disabled in a road accident, the family also suffers severe emotional and financial hardship. Such an irreparable loss leaves a lasting impact that the family has to bear throughout its life.

The Chief Minister observed that urbanisation has accelerated across India, including Tripura, over the past decade. As a result, managing traffic in both large and small towns has become an increasingly challenging task. With the growing population, the number of private vehicles has also increased significantly. However, the state’s road infrastructure has not expanded proportionately in terms of road width, leading to persistent traffic congestion and a rise in road accidents.

He stated that the measures taken by the government had yielded positive results, with road accidents in Tripura declining by 9% in 2025 compared to 2024. Fatal accidents also decreased by 15%, while the number of deaths in road accidents fell by approximately 13%.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of interdepartmental coordination in addressing such challenges. He pointed out that, alongside the Police Department, the Transport, Health and Public Works Departments play crucial roles in preventing road accidents and reducing fatalities. Therefore, he underscored the need for regular discussions and close coordination among these departments to strengthen road safety measures and improve traffic management across the state.

“Technology must be used more extensively to improve traffic management. He stressed the need to identify accident-prone areas and intensify police patrolling in these locations. Alongside expanding digital surveillance, the concerned departments must take initiatives to raise awareness among the general public and drivers about traffic rules and the serious consequences of road accidents. The Chief Minister also urged parents to educate their children about traffic rules and road safety from an early age,” Chief Minister said.

Addressing about the importance of wearing helmets while riding scooters and motorcycles and avoiding overspeeding, the Chief Minister said that putting one’s own life and the lives of others at risk for a momentary thrill is never acceptable.

Regarding indiscriminate parking of vehicles at night, the Chief Minister advised the police department to take a stricter approach. He stated that a multi-storey parking facility had already been developed at the Old Motor Stand. He further mentioned that the government was exploring the possibility of setting up similar parking facilities at Battala and Netaji Chowmuhani in the future.

The Chief Minister also directed the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and other concerned departments to ensure that adequate parking facilities are mandatorily provided in newly constructed residential apartments and shopping malls across the city.

Addressing at the event, Hon’ble Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said that the Transport Department, in coordination with the police administration, has been working to reduce road accidents. He stated that the department had provided 16 ambulances to the police force, along with modern interceptor vehicles for every district.

He said that, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives, Good Samaritans who assist road accident victims are no longer subjected to legal harassment. Furthermore, under the Rah-Veer scheme, such individuals are being financially rewarded for their assistance. So far, 11 people have received ₹25,000 each under the scheme.

The Minister also stated that under the Central Government’s PM Rahat scheme, accident victims are being provided with cashless medical treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh at registered hospitals. So far, ₹6.5 lakh has been disbursed under the scheme in Tripura. He said that in hit-and-run cases, compensation of ₹2 lakh is provided to the family of a deceased victim, while ₹50,000 is provided for medical treatment in cases of injury.

The Minister emphasised that both the Central and State Governments aim to bring road accidents down to zero, and efforts are being made to achieve this goal.

As a symbolic gesture, the Chief Minister handed over a breath analyser to SP (Traffic) Kanta Jangir at the programme.

The welcome address was delivered by Director General of Police (DGP)  G.S. Rao. Amidst the distinguished dignitaries there were Milind Ramteke, Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Uttam Kumar Chakma, Secretary of the Transport Department, officials from both departments and many others remained present in the event.