Assam: GMC’s 2024 Projects Face Delays; Guwahati Residents Disappointed

Staff reporter

Guwahati: The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) launched several ambitious projects in 2024 to address the city’s pressing infrastructure challenges. These initiatives aimed to revamp markets, mitigate urban flooding, improve water supply, and introduce women-friendly services. However, a year later, delays and incomplete implementations have left many residents disheartened.

In January 2024, GMC rolled out a Rs 12 crore borewell project based on the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission to tackle water shortages. With Rs 20 lakh allocated to each of the city’s 60 wards, the project was scheduled for completion by February 2024. Despite initial assurances, only 38 wards have functional borewells as of January 2025.

A senior GMC official told The Sentinel, “Out of 60 wards, only 38 currently have operational borewells. Work is ongoing, and we are doing everything possible to complete the remaining borewells soon.”

Meanwhile, the residents in the remaining wards continue to grapple with water shortages, relying heavily on private suppliers to meet their needs.

The redevelopment of the very famous Beltola Weekly Market into a modern G+6 complex, featuring vending zones and office spaces, was another flagship initiative expected to be completed by December 2024. Although 85% of the work has been finished, GMC officials now estimate the project will be ready only by mid-2025.

“We have completed 85% of the work, and we expect the market to be fully operational in the first half of 2025,” said an official. The delay has impacted vendors dependent on the market for their livelihood and caused inconvenience to regular shoppers. Frustrated citizens are demanding stricter project management and better adherence to deadlines.

Another key initiative was the introduction of Pink Buses to provide safe and reliable transportation for women. However, the service rollout has been limited, leaving many women commuters unable to benefit from the program as promised.

The delays in these critical projects have drawn sharp criticism from residents and activists, who alleged about the poor planning and execution. Citizens are urging greater transparency, accountability, and timely implementation from GMC to ensure the city’s development goals are met.

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