Staff reporter
Guwahati: The city’s traffic management system is buckling under the pressure of a rapidly growing number of vehicles and multiple ongoing infrastructure projects. Despite efforts to introduce an Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) to streamline traffic, its incomplete implementation has rendered it ineffective.
Adding to the chaos is the absence of proper road markings and adequate signage, making navigation a challenge for commuters and enforcement officials alike. With traffic congestion worsening by the day, both the public and the traffic police find themselves caught in a seemingly unending crisis.
The city’s traffic police force, already operating with limited personnel, finds it increasingly difficult to regulate the city’s expanding road network. Officials admit that their numbers are insufficient to maintain control across all key junctions and roadways.
“We are outnumbered. It is literally impossible to be present everywhere every time,” a traffic official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The manpower crunch has not only stretched the force thin but also fueled public frustration. Residents argue that while ordinary commuters are frequently caught in snarls, VIP and VVIP convoys receive preferential treatment. Many claim that traffic enforcement becomes noticeably more stringent when high-ranking politicians, bureaucrats, or dignitaries are on the move, while regular citizens are left to deal with congestion and inefficiencies.
Beyond routine traffic management, officials are frequently assigned to handle security arrangements for high-profile visits by central and state ministers. A senior officer revealed that these additional responsibilities further drain their limited resources, diverting attention from day-to-day traffic regulation.
Environmental challenges have compounded their struggles. The city’s numerous construction projects generate dust and pollution, making working conditions hazardous for officers stationed on roads for long hours. Weather conditions add another layer of difficulty. “During adverse weather conditions, we face the wrath of nature and yet perform the duties assigned,” an official lamented, highlighting the physical toll on personnel who must endure extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and pollution while managing traffic.
Traffic officers deployed for night duty face even greater risks. Reckless drivers, often attempting to evade inspections, speed through checkpoints, endangering officers’ lives.
“It also gets dangerous for us during the night as vehicles trying to evade frisking speed off, sabotaging our safety,” an officer said.
To make matters worse, the lack of proper safety equipment for night patrols leaves officers vulnerable to accidents and potential assaults. Many officials believe that without improved protective gear and better enforcement mechanisms, their ability to regulate traffic effectively after dark will remain compromised.
Despite their dedication, Guwahati’s traffic police force remains overburdened and under-resourced. Experts argue that without the full implementation of ITMS, better infrastructure, and increased manpower, the city’s traffic woes are unlikely to improve anytime soon.
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