NGO illustrates approaches for traffic management in Tripura

Agartala, Jul 25 (UNI) In order to strengthen the public transport infrastructure and ensure a better traffic management system in Tripura, Association for Research on People And Nature (ARPAN) has submitted a detailed recommendation to the chief minister last week.

In the report, ARPAN - a leading non-government research body of academicians and professionals - expressed concern over the existing traffic management system in the state and demanded immediate imposition of ban on use of paddle rickshaws in the major roads of the cities, including Agartala and to ensure that the public buses were available at least at every ten minutes interval.

It also stressed on the need of strict enforcement against the use of vehicles causing pollution, loud horns, improper use of high-beam lights in the vehicles and reckless driving and recommended penalty against drivers overloading their vehicles as well as the passengers for riding overloaded vehicles.

The report advocated the banning of all old vehicles from the road adding that in the first phase, vehicles more that 20 years old should be withdrawn by next six months.

Besides, all footpaths should be made free exclusively for pedestrians and severe fine should be imposed in case of violation of rules, the report stated.

ARPAN also raised voice against the movement of VIP cars in busy roads and asked authorities to initiate disciplinary action against the officials using red light, violating the rules.

The report suggested enforcement against non-users of helmet and the use of standardised quality helmet specified by BIS/ISI and to concentrate on factors leading to motor accidents in the state.

According to official records, about 123 road accidents were recorded in the state during past three months, where 52 people died and 109 people sustained serious injuries.

UNI