AGARTALA | AUGUST 31, 2026: Highlighting severe administrative challenges, rising operational expenses, and continuous traffic penalties faced by transport workers, the Tripura Electronic Rickshaw Workers’ Union—affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) Tripura Pradesh—submitted a deputation featuring a 7-point charter of demands to Government Railway Police (GRP) Superintendent of Police (SP) Kishor Debbarma in Agartala.
The union expressed grave concern over the economic distress experienced by thousands of e-auto and auto-rickshaw drivers across West Tripura district due to complex permit rules, frequent fines, and deteriorating traffic infrastructure.
Key Demands Outlined in the Charter
- Clear Policy on Non-Permit E-Autos: The administration must provide explicit legal guidelines under the Motor Vehicles Inspector (MVI) framework regarding non-permit e-auto-rickshaws and take structured administrative steps.
- Settlement of Cases via Lok Adalat: Rapid settlement and dismissal of arbitrary cases and excessive fines imposed on auto-rickshaws and commercial vehicles through upcoming Lok Adalat sessions.
- Stop Automated E-Challans via Photo Capture: Immediate halt to the process of snapping photographs by traffic personnel to issue random fines without on-spot verification.
- Relocation of Waste Bins at Battala: Urgent removal of garbage dumpsters installed in the middle of busy thoroughfares at Battala, which frequently cause road accidents and health hazards for drivers and pedestrians.
- Repair of Traffic Signals & Zebra Crossings: Immediate restoration of non-functional traffic signals across major city intersections and repainting of faded zebra crossings to prevent daily traffic chaos.
- End to Harassment at Naka Points: Strict instructions to traffic police and general police personnel to stop intimidating drivers, collecting irregular fines, and harassing transport workers at suburban checkpoints and town entrance gates.
- Regulate Heavy Commercial Vehicles: Restrict movement of heavy goods vehicles (6, 10, 12, and 16-wheeler trucks) strictly between 10:00 PM and early morning hours to ease city congestion and lower accident risks.
Union’s Warning & Leadership Statement
Presenting the memorandum to GRP SP Kishor Debbarma, union representatives emphasized that soaring fuel/electricity prices and general inflation have made daily survival difficult for auto drivers. The leadership warned that if the administration fails to address their 7-point charter promptly, the organization will be compelled to launch a broader state-wide agitation.
Event Summary
- Event: Submission of Deputation & 7-Point Charter of Demands.
- Organization: Tripura Electronic Rickshaw Workers’ Union (Affiliated with BMS Tripura Pradesh).
- Recipient: Kishor Debbarma, Superintendent of Police (GRP), West Tripura.
- Key Issues: Permit policies, automated traffic fines, garbage bin relocation at Battala, signal repairs, and heavy vehicle timings.
