Agartala, 14th September 2026 : A call has been made to the Traffic Department to stop issuing vehicle and motorcycle passes for visiting Durga Puja pandals, except to personnel engaged in essential emergency and official duties during the festival.
In a statement dated September 09, AGMC’s Assistant Professor Dr Kanak Choudhury questioned the criteria and rules followed in issuing vehicle passes during Durga Puja. Chowdhury argued that the festival is one of the few occasions when ordinary people and their families should be able to enjoy the city freely, without being inconvenienced by VIP movement, vehicle convoys and traffic restrictions.
He suggested that special guests and VIPs could visit pandals during the early morning hours, when crowds are comparatively thin and public inconvenience would be minimal.
Choudhury also questioned whether vehicle passes issued in the name of doctors, engineers, teachers, police personnel and other professionals are genuinely required for emergency or shift duties during Puja. He said the large number of passes seen during the previous Puja raised questions about their necessity.
Calling for an end to the practice, he said passes should be restricted to personnel directly involved in emergency services or night-time official duties. According to him, allowing private cars and motorcycles to enter crowded Puja areas creates unnecessary social distinctions during a festival meant for everyone.
He appealed to the Traffic Department and transport authorities to reconsider the practice from the outset of this year’s festivities, saying that restricting unnecessary vehicle movement would encourage people to walk together and enjoy the Puja pandals more freely.
