State moves to reduce waterlogging and add electric buses
Tripura has initiated work to introduce 10 electric buses for Agartala and has submitted a proposal for a Rs 130 crore upgrade to the city's storm-water drainage network, officials said. The measures form part of a larger Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported infrastructure programme for Agartala that is estimated at around Rs 1,200 crore.
Urban Development Department Secretary Milind Ramteke said at a press conference that the tender for procuring the first 10 electric buses — each about nine metres long — has been floated with ADB assistance and will be opened on August 21. Charging infrastructure will be developed alongside the bus service, he added.
"Agartala currently lacks a well-organised public transportation system and adequate electric mobility infrastructure," said Milind Ramteke.
The buses are intended to operate within Agartala and in surrounding areas located roughly 10–12 km from the city. Officials said the electric bus initiative is integrated into the broader ADB-supported programme, with a significant portion of funds earmarked for drainage and flood-mitigation works.
Drainage overhaul aims to cut waterlogging time
The Agartala Municipal Corporation has proposed a major overhaul of the city's storm-water drainage system, with the project currently estimated at Rs 130 crore, Municipal Commissioner Saju Wahid said. The planned measures aim to reduce both the geographic extent of waterlogging and the time taken for rainwater to clear from current levels of one to two hours to around 15–30 minutes.
Wahid said central and eastern parts of Agartala are particularly susceptible to flooding because of their geography. Authorities have used a digital elevation map and detailed surveys to identify low-lying pockets and primary accumulation points where interventions are needed.
- Electric buses: Tender floated for 10 nine-metre buses; charging infrastructure planned; tender opening on 21 August.
- Drainage proposal: Agartala Municipal Corporation has submitted a Rs 130 crore plan to overhaul storm-water drainage to reduce clearing time to 15–30 minutes.
- ADB programme: Total ADB-supported programme estimated at about Rs 1,200 crore, with Rs 500–600 crore possibly for drainage and related works.
Ramteke indicated that the electric bus project grew out of the state's engagement with the ADB on electric mobility and supporting infrastructure. He said the broader ADB loan of around Rs 1,200 crore could see between Rs 500–600 crore directed to storm-water drainage and related works, while other components will address drinking-water supply and flood mitigation.
Pumping capacity and interim arrangements
Agartala currently operates 17 functional pumping stations, equipped with electric pumps and alternative arrangements to maintain drainage operations during power cuts. Mechanical pumps have been installed at six vulnerable locations, including Banamalipur, according to officials.
| Item | Current status / Plan |
|---|---|
| Functional pumping stations | 17 (with electric pumps and backup arrangements) |
| Mechanical pumps at vulnerable points | Installed at six locations (example: Banamalipur) |
| Proposed drainage project | Rs 130 crore (proposal submitted by AMC) |
| Electric buses | 10 nine-metre buses; tender opened 21 August |
Officials acknowledged that, despite existing pumping capacity, areas can still experience waterlogging when intense rainfall — more than about 40 mm within an hour or two — occurs. Ramteke said the current strategy aims to move beyond reliance solely on pumps to a broader drainage and flood-management approach.
What this means for Agartala residents
If implemented as proposed, the measures could shorten the time taken to clear rainwater across low-lying parts of the city and improve resilience during monsoon spells. The introduction of electric buses, with dedicated charging infrastructure, would be the first step towards organised public transport and cleaner urban mobility in Agartala.
Officials said the ADB-supported projects will also include improvements to drinking-water supply within the Agartala Municipal Corporation area. Timelines for construction, procurement delivery and commencement of bus services were not detailed beyond the tender opening date for the vehicles.
Authorities have underlined that detailed surveys and digital elevation mapping will guide prioritisation of drainage works to target the most vulnerable neighbourhoods first.
