Staff reporter
Guwahati: Despite rapid infrastructure growth, Guwahati’s streets remain mired in traffic congestion, commuter harassment, and a largely unregulated public transport system, a situation many call a glaring failure of the Assam Transport Department.
Official data from the District Transport Office (DTO), Kamrup (Metro), shows the city has around 2,900 registered passenger e-rickshaws, 2,800 auto-rickshaws, 3,386 buses, about 7,500 taxis (including app-based services), and 1,445 maxi taxis. Authorities admit that if these vehicles operated as per rules, the city’s public transport needs could be met.
Frustrated by delays and erratic services, many residents are turning to private transport. A Hatigaon resident, who spends nearly Rs 2,500 daily on fuel for her commute to Ulubari, said public transport is worse: “I once tried taking a bus, but I reached very late because buses stopped too long and maxi taxis waited endlessly to fill up.”
Another commuter from Beltola, who works in Panbazar, said, “We don’t earn much, so the public bus is our only option. But the way the drivers and conductors operate is pathetic. It’s like they have no regard for time or rules.”
Bus operators defend their practices, blaming financial constraints. “We have to give Rs 2,000 to the owner every day. With fuel costs and traffic jams, we can’t make enough unless we fill the bus,” a city bus driver said. A green bus driver added that their daily collection target is Rs 6,000.
The DTO claims permits are issued with clear rules, including a one-minute halt limit at bus stops. “Enforcement is the job of traffic police,” a DTO official stated.
However, a senior traffic police officer countered: “It is not only our job. The transport department is equally responsible. We are trying to enforce the one-minute rule in consultation with bus associations.”
Even the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) has not escaped criticism. Commuters allege ASTC buses also flout the halt rule. An ASTC insider said conductors are provided time sheets, monitored by timekeepers, and violations can be reported.
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