Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Saturday said Tripura has recorded a 9 per cent reduction in road accidents and a 15 per cent decline in fatal road crashes, attributing the improvement to strengthened road safety measures and coordinated efforts by various government departments. He made the remarks while inaugurating a road safety equipment distribution programme jointly organized by the Police and Transport departments at AD Nagar Police Ground in Agartala.
The Chief Minister said road safety cannot be ensured merely through legislation or stricter traffic enforcement. It requires collective responsibility, public awareness and active participation from all sections of society. As part of the programme, breath analyzers, traffic barricades, helmets, raincoats, reflective jackets and road divider poles were distributed under the Road Safety Fund at a cost of Rs 1.29 crore.
Highlighting the government's commitment to reducing road accidents, Dr Saha said every road fatality or serious injury leaves a lasting impact on affected families, making accident prevention a top priority. He noted that rapid urbanization and the increasing number of vehicles have posed significant traffic management challenges in the state, while road infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace. Despite these challenges, Tripura witnessed a 9 per cent fall in road accidents, a 15 per cent reduction in fatal crashes and nearly a 13 per cent decline in road accident deaths in 2025 compared to 2024.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for greater coordination among the Police, Transport, Health and Public Works departments to improve road safety. He also called for wider use of technology, identification of accident-prone "black spots," enhanced digital surveillance and intensified public awareness campaigns on traffic rules and road safety. Parents, he added, should educate their children about responsible road behaviour from an early age.
Dr. Saha urged motorists and two-wheeler riders to wear helmets and avoid over speeding, saying that risking lives for momentary excitement is unacceptable. He also instructed the Police to strengthen measures against illegal roadside parking. Referring to urban traffic management, he said a multi-level parking facility has already been developed at the Old Motor Stand and similar facilities are being explored at Battala and Netaji Chowmuhani areas of Agartala. He further asked the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and other concerned departments to ensure adequate parking arrangements in commercial complexes and shopping malls.
Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said the Transport Department is working closely with the Police to reduce road accidents. He informed that 16 ambulances and one modern interceptor vehicle have been provided to each district. He also highlighted various compensation and cashless treatment schemes for accident victims, including financial assistance under the Good Samaritan Scheme, the Centre's cashless treatment programme and compensation for victims of hit-and-run cases.
During the programme, the Chief Minister formally handed over a breath analyzer to the SP (Traffic) Kanta Jangir, Director General of Police (in-charge) GS Rao delivered the welcome address. Urban Development Secretary Milind Ramteke, Transport Secretary Uttam Kumar Chakma and senior officials of the Police and Transport departments were also present.