Agartala | February 5, 2026 Reported by: Tripura 24 News Desk
In a swift and coordinated operation today, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) task force, backed by local police, launched a massive eviction drive across the city’s primary commercial hubs. The crackdown targeted unauthorized roadside shops and footpath encroachments stretching from the Post Office area to Kaman Chowmuhani and the heavily congested Shakuntala Road.
The Crackdown on Congestion
The operation began early this afternoon as municipal workers and heavy machinery moved into the RMS-Kaman Chowmuhani stretch. For years, this vital corridor has been plagued by narrow passages due to illegal extensions of shops and the proliferation of makeshift stalls on public footpaths.
Key Actions Taken During the Raid:
- Footpath Reclamation: Scores of wooden benches, plastic canopies, and temporary garment displays that had completely occupied the pedestrian walkways were dismantled and seized.
- Illegal Parking Penalties: The AMC team, in coordination with the Traffic Department, cleared several two-wheelers and commercial vehicles parked on covered drains, which had been a major cause of waterlogging and traffic bottlenecks.
- Clearance of Shakuntala Road: This busy market lane saw a systematic removal of encroachments that had reduced the road’s width, making it nearly impossible for ambulances and fire tenders to pass through during peak hours.
“No More Encroachment” – Mayor’s Firm Stance
The drive follows the recent announcement by Mayor Dipak Majumder, who had warned that the capital city’s footpaths must be returned to the pedestrians. According to the Mayor, the mission to transform Agartala into a “Smart City” cannot succeed as long as vital arteries are blocked by illegal activities.
“We have given ample warnings and notices to the traders,” an AMC official on the spot told Tripura 24. “While we support local business, it cannot come at the cost of public safety and mobility. Today’s action is part of a broader, phased mission to ensure every major junction remains encroachment-free.”
Mixed Reactions from the Ground
The drive was met with a mixed response. While thousands of daily commuters and pedestrians breathed a sigh of relief, many small-scale vendors expressed their distress. Some claimed that they were removed despite having applied for vending licenses, while others pleaded for a designated “vending zone” to be finalized before they are evicted.
The local business association at Shakuntala Road has called for a meeting with the Municipal Commissioner to discuss a sustainable middle ground that balances city aesthetics with the livelihoods of small traders.
