Kundan Pandey vs State Of Tripura And Ors

We have interacted with Sri Atanu Datta Choudhury, Chief Financial Officer, TNGCL duly authorized to interact with us on the issue with which we are concerned.

We are informed that now inspection of the machines (compressor packages) is going on at Pune and in all likelihood, they would be installed at all the 5 retail stations managed by TRTC at Agartala.

We are sure this would enhance the efficiency inasmuch as filling time of the vehicle, on an average would be reduced from 3-5 minutes to 2-3 minutes.

Also before March, 2020, 4 new retail outlets/filling stations are likely to be commissioned. We direct expedition thereof.

It is an admitted position that there are long queues of all types of vehicles, waiting for the gas (CNG) to be filled up at all the stations at Agartala. It results into unhappiness and unpleasant situation leading to frustration of all concerned especially the drivers and the pedestrians.

Noticeably at Agartala, 5 stations are manned by TNGCL and 3 stations are by IOCL.

While appreciating the efforts put in by these companies in augmenting the infrastructure, we are of the considered view that by taking certain measures and with little endeavour of proper management of the existing stations, efficiency can be increased and long queues reduced. Also the problem of traffic congestion within the city can be resolved by such management.

We see no reason as to why during peak hours i.e. from 8 to 10 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., these companies, restrict access of type of vehicles, in which gas can be conveniently filled up at other hours. Perhaps, auto rickshaw is one such category which can be considered for imposition of such restriction. In fact, on experimental basis, such an exercise can be carried out where the drivers of the auto rickshaws are sensitized, educated as also requested to bring the vehicles to the service stations at any time other than the peak hours, for it is seen that now in Agartala, all service stations, pursuant to the monitoring of the situation by this Court, are open 24 hours and it is this category which forms the maximum congestion.

Under these circumstances, we direct respondent Nos.1 to 3 to immediately take appropriate action in that regard, ensuring that no idle parking of auto rickshaw on the highways/streets, within Agartala, while waiting in the queue for filling up of fuel/gas, particularly during office hours, is allowed. Such vehicles can fill up gas at other hours. Respondent No.3 shall immediately convene a meeting with the Association/Organization of the auto rickshaw owners/drivers plied in Agartala and Udaipur asking them to fill up gas at all times other than the office hours.

Also steps shall be taken for expediting the process of installation of retail outlets (filling stations) in all the Districts of Tripura.

List the matter on 24.09.2019.