Cracks in smart city promise: Guwahati roads in ruin

Staff reporter

Guwahati: The promise of a ‘Smart City’ rings hollow for many Guwahati residents, as deteriorating roads and defunct street lighting continue to plague daily life. From major arteries to inner lanes, potholes have become a dangerous norm—exposing glaring gaps in the city’s infrastructure. In several neighbourhoods, especially poorly-lit alleys, the absence of streetlights has made commuting after dark a risky affair. Pedestrians and motorists alike face challenges navigating roads riddled with craters, turning everyday travel into a safety hazard.

The situation is particularly grim in Guwahati Club, where locals say roads were never properly restored following recent pipeline repairs. “The digging was done weeks ago, but the surface remains broken and dangerous. It’s hard to walk, and worse to drive,” said a frustrated resident while talking to The Sentinel.

Commuters from Chandmari echoed similar concerns, highlighting the damage inflicted on vehicles. “Every time I hit a pothole, my bike’s suspension takes a hit. It’s not just costly, it’s a risk to life,” said one daily rider.

Calling for urgent action, residents are urging the Public Works Department (Buildings & Roads) and civic authorities to initiate repairs before the monsoon rains aggravate the damage. Suggestions have also been made to introduce a helpline or mobile app where citizens can report unsafe road conditions in real-time.

 Also Read: Assam: Guwahati city’s smart streetlight project fails to shine

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