Agartala: The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has launched its first inter-city bus service in a bid to improve connectivity within its jurisdiction.
The service was inaugurated by Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, founder of Tipra Motha and a member of the District Council, at the TTAADC headquarters in Khumulwng.
The new service will operate from the transport shed near Khumulwng’s Dukmali Hati market, improving connectivity between TTAADC’s headquarters in Khumulwng and other parts of Tripura.
Chairman of the TTAADC Advisory and Reforms Committee, Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, said, “We have acquired three air-conditioned, CNG-engine buses, each with a capacity of 52 seats. This TTAADC express service will be managed directly by our administration, providing better transport options for the first time.”
Highlighting the long-standing need for public transportation within the TTAADC area, he said this new service would benefit various sections of society.
The project, costing Rs 1.44 crore, has been implemented with bus and workshop support from TATA. There are plans to expand the fleet, contingent on additional funding from state or central government sources.
Debbarman stated that the bus service would save TTAADC Rs 2.1 lakh per month, which was previously spent on staff transport.
He also expressed interest in adopting electric vehicles (EVs) to cut fuel costs, potentially saving Rs 10 lakh monthly, and suggested rooftop solar panels to further reduce expenses.
The newly launched air-conditioned buses, each with a capacity of 52 passengers, are equipped with CCTV cameras and other safety features.
Debbarma emphasized that the goal is to foster development within Tripura and improve the lives of its residents.
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The introduction of this modern public transportation service is expected to significantly benefit schoolchildren, elderly people, and working women, he added.
