BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 3rd December 2025: The state government has directed Agartala Smart City Limited and allied departments to strictly regulate excavation and roadwork activities in the capital following mounting public complaints of inconvenience.
At a high-level review meeting chaired by Urban Development Secretary and Smart City Chairman Abhishek Singh, officials from the Power Department, Jal Board, TSECL, DWS, AMC and contracting agencies were instructed to ensure tighter coordination and mandatory safety measures at all project sites.
Expressing concern over unplanned excavation, Singh ordered an immediate stop to random digging across Agartala. Excavation will now be permitted only in restricted stretches of 50–60 metres, with additional stretches opened only after full restoration of the existing ones.
Departments have been directed to issue public notices at least 48 hours before starting work on new stretches. The Traffic Department must grant prior written approval, after which diversion plans will be published in newspapers to inform commuters.
The meeting stressed installation of safety signage, barricading, and traffic diversion mechanisms at all worksites. Public awareness campaigns will be intensified to minimise inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists.
Agartala Smart City Limited aims to complete major works, including the flagship smart road project, by March 2026. Ongoing activities include underground cable laying, road widening, and drain construction.
Singh said smart road projects under four packages are underway, involving conversion of overhead cables to underground systems and road network upgrades. “Restoration of disturbed road sections will be completed within 15 days. Henceforth, only 50–100 metre stretches will be taken up at a time,” he added.
Currently, Smart City projects worth around ₹900 crore are in progress, with efforts to finish maximum work before the monsoon. The Agartala Municipal Council has also launched a helpline to address public grievances.
CEO of Agartala Smart City Limited, DK Chakma, has been tasked with holding weekly coordination meetings with line departments. Agencies have been instructed to ensure utility services remain unaffected during construction.
Chakma informed that five major AMC works, including pipeline laying and blacktop road restoration, are pending. Stormwater drains and utility chambers on VIP Road are expected to be completed within 15 days, with similar works progressing in Barjala and other areas.
“All agencies must clear debris daily. Non-compliance will lead to withholding of bills,” Chakma warned.
With major drain works nearing completion and smart road development advancing, officials expressed confidence that the city’s infrastructure upgrade will be achieved by March 2026.
