BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 27th January 2026: A major mishap occurred in the capital when a gas pipeline was ruptured during ongoing Smart City construction work. The incident took place around midnight near the Motor Stand area, where a JCB machine allegedly cut through a pipeline belonging to Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL) while digging.
Upon receiving the news, a senior TNGCL official rushed to the site and expressed strong displeasure. He alleged that despite repeated requests, Smart City officials continue to carry out road-cutting operations late at night without prior intimation. According to regulations, TNGCL must be informed before such work so that its personnel can supervise and prevent accidents.
The official explained that during daytime operations, TNGCL staff remain present at construction sites to monitor safety. However, at night, no information is shared with the company, and work is carried out without notice—posing serious risks.
He further complained that after the pipeline was damaged, he repeatedly tried to contact Smart City officials over the phone, but none responded. Terming this behavior irresponsible, he warned that repeated incidents of uncoordinated digging could lead to major accidents in the future, endangering city residents. He urged the Chief Minister to intervene immediately to ensure proper coordination.
The official added that despite multiple appeals for cooperation, Smart City authorities have refused to follow safety protocols, raising grave concerns about public security. The incident triggered panic in the locality. Fortunately, no major accident occurred, but the episode has once again highlighted serious lapses in coordination within the Smart City project.
