Growing traffic restrictions along Agartala’s busy VIP Road have triggered concern among residents, students and daily commuters, with many demanding the creation of safe and designated crossing points at key junctions to ease movement and improve accessibility. Local residents have alleged that the absence of proper crossing arrangements at two important connecting roads has created daily difficulties for thousands of pedestrians and motorists. They claim that instead of facilitating safe movement through traffic management measures, road crossings at crucial points have effectively been blocked, leading to inconvenience for the public. The issue has particularly affected students attending several educational institutions in the area, including Sri Krishna Mission School, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Memorial School, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Memorial Institution and the BEd College. Many students reportedly face challenges in reaching their schools and returning home due to restrictions on crossing VIP Road.
The concern centres on two important shortcut roads developed to improve connectivity in the city. One road links Amrakunja and Kunjaban with VIP Road near Shaheed Bhagat Singh Yuva Awas, while another connects the area adjacent to Heritage Park with Gurkhabasti through VIP Road. Residents said these roads were originally intended to reduce travel time and facilitate smoother transportation across the city. However, commuters argue that the absence of designated crossing facilities where these roads meet VIP Road has undermined their purpose. People using these routes are often forced to take lengthy detours to reach nearby destinations. The situation is said to be particularly difficult for patients travelling to and from Govind Ballabh (GB) Hospital, senior citizens, government employees and others who rely on the roads for daily commuting. Residents claim that ambulances, motorcyclists and private vehicle owners are also affected by the restrictions.
“The roads were built for public convenience, but the inability to cross at the connecting points has turned them into a source of frustration. What should have been a time-saving route has become an obstacle,” a local resident said. Commuters further pointed out that the additional travel distance results in increased fuel consumption, higher transportation costs and added traffic pressure on surrounding roads. Many residents have urged the authorities to review the current traffic arrangements and introduce safe pedestrian and vehicle crossing facilities to ensure that the roads serve the purpose for which they were constructed.
