Traffic at GS Road in Guwahati

It is becoming painful to commute in Guwahati, literally. The bustling city in Northeast India, is clouded with heavy traffic congestion. What could have been a smooth ride through the city has now become a daunting task for its citizens, with snarling traffic and never-ending wait times.

As per recent studies, Guwahati has found its name on the list of the top 10 most congested cities in India. With the average time spent in traffic adding up to 1.5 hours per day, it is not just frustrating but also takes a toll on the mental and physical health of its people. It is not uncommon for someone to miss an important meeting or an appointment due to the unpredictable traffic situation in the city…Or decide not to venture out in the city during ‘peak traffic hours’ and rather make at-home plans.

Inadequate infrastructure

One of the significant reasons behind the traffic jam in Guwahati is the city’s inadequate infrastructure, unable to cater to the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the roads. The indifferent and selfish drivers, narrow roads, poorly managed traffic, and inadequate road infrastructure have only added to the problem, causing long delays and often leading to accidents. It’s not just the cars and bikes, but the slow-moving commercial vehicles are creating bottlenecks on the city’s roads, making it an everyday struggle for commuters.

Public transportation in Guwahati?

The lack of public transportation also contributes significantly to the city’s traffic woes. While there are buses and auto-rickshaws plying on the roads, they are not reliable and are often overcrowded. The absence of a reliable mass transit system has forced the people to rely on their vehicles, adding to the already clogged roads.

Over the years, the government and the civic authorities have taken measures to ease the traffic congestion. They have built flyovers and overpasses, implemented traffic management measures like one-way systems and traffic signals, but these have only been short-term solutions. The city needs a comprehensive and long-term plan that addresses the root causes of the problem.

Mass transit system in Guwahati?

What Guwahati needs is a modern and efficient mass transit system that can provide a viable alternative to personal vehicles. The government needs to focus on introducing a network (dare we say, of metro rails), similar to those in Delhi and Bangalore, which can take the pressure off the roads. This will not only help to reduce traffic congestion but also help in reducing air pollution and provide a safer and more reliable mode of transportation.

In addition to the introduction of a mass transit system, Guwahati also needs better road infrastructure. Wider and better-maintained roads, and more parking facilities will not only ease traffic but also promote sustainable transportation options.

The cost factor.

However, the government must consider the cost factor while introducing these changes. Introducing congestion pricing, where commuters are charged a fee for driving during peak hours, can encourage people to use public transport or alternative modes of transportation, but at the same time, it must be first made available for the masses.

The traffic situation in Guwahati is a complicated issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. The government must take the lead and implement sustainable and long-term solutions to make the city a better place to live and work. It’s high time we address the problem before it becomes an insurmountable challenge that can’t be fixed. With a little bit of creativity and critical thinking, we can overcome this obstacle and make Guwahati a better place for everyone.

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About TNM NewsDesk

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The News Mill is a Guwahati-based digital media with focus on content from across Northeast India and beyond. We can be reached through [email protected]