Will Agartala Ever Become a Truly Smart City? Footpaths and Urban Infrastructure Under Scrutiny By Our Correspondent Agartala, August 9, 2026 Agartala’s journey under the Smart City Mission began in 2015, but nearly 11 years later, questions continue to be raised over the city’s roads, drainage, footpaths, parking and traffic management. The issue has now gained fresh attention following observations by noted Tripura Aviator B Parthasarathi, who recently visited Agartala and raised several concerns through his X handle regarding the functioning of Agartala Smart City and overall urban safety. Parthasarathi questioned the slow progress of several road and drainage works and asked how long the authorities would continue inspecting potholes and unfinished drainage instead of completing the works. He also questioned the shortage of parking facilities, alleged encroachment by vendors and battery-operated rickshaws under flyovers, and raised concerns over traffic violations and road-safety arrangements at several locations. He specifically referred to the alleged encroachment along HGB Road from City Centre to Melarmath, traffic movement near the flyover exit opposite the Old Treasury Building, the Motor Stand Petrol pump, multi-storeyed parking project, the number and regulation of e-rickshaws, Katakhal STP and alleged wrong-side vehicle movement near certain service and refilling facilities. He also called for better regulation of roadside vending and battery-operated rickshaws and questioned whether the city has adequate dedicated parking zones. Another important concern raised by him was the absence of a comprehensive accident database identifying accident-prone locations and the reasons behind road accidents. Such data, if systematically collected and analysed, could help authorities introduce scientific traffic-management measures at vulnerable locations. The condition of Agartala’s footpaths is another major concern. In several areas, pedestrians reportedly face encroachment, illegal parking, construction materials and other obstructions, forcing them to walk on busy roads. The situation is particularly concerning for elderly citizens,