Guwahati: Chaos Reigns at Jayanagar-Six Mile Junction

A saga of commuter frustration and administrative deadlock

Staff reporter

Guwahati: The Jayanagar-Six Mile junction, a vital connection between areas like Wireless, Beltola, and Rukminigaon via the Tongra Sattra road, has now become a symbol of urban chaos. Encroachments, traffic mismanagement, and jurisdictional confusion have left commuters struggling through daily gridlocks. Despite its significance as a transportation artery, the junction remains plagued by inefficiency and neglect.

During peak hours, traffic grinds to a standstill, with vehicles barely moving due to the sheer volume on the roads. Measures such as the installation of traffic barricades have proven futile as rampant indiscipline by both commuters and pedestrians undermines their purpose. Unregulated parking and reckless pedestrian crossings further exacerbate the problem.

A frustrated commuter, while navigating the chaos, said, “It’s an absolute disaster every time I pass through this area. Neither the barricades nor the rules seem to help. It feels like the authorities have given up.”

A resident from Beltola further said, “I dread using Tongra Sattra road at night. Even a small mistake by a driver can cause accidents. There’s no visible presence of traffic police, which only makes things worse.”

Another resident said that on Sundays, the weekly Beltola bazaar aggravates the already chaotic situation. Vendors occupy large portions of the road, leaving little room for vehicles and pedestrians to maneuver. The result is hours-long traffic jams, adding to the frustration of commuters and residents.

A local shop owner said, “The bazaar on Sundays turns an already bad situation into complete chaos. Authorities need to find a more suitable location for it.”

For vendors, however, the bazaar is a crucial source of income. A vendor defended by saying, “This bazaar is our livelihood. The government should provide an organized space for us instead of pushing us away.”

The local residents also complain about how efforts to manage the situation have been further hindered by a lack of coordination between the Dispur and Basistha police stations. Both departments claim the area is outside their jurisdiction, leaving commuters to navigate the chaos on their own.

 “That portion doesn’t come under our jurisdiction,” said officials from both police stations. This highlights the administrative deadlock that has left the junction in disarray.

The ongoing gridlock at the Jayanagar-Six Mile junction demands immediate and collaborative action. Residents and experts suggest several potential solutions to alleviate the crisis.

Solutions such as better enforcement of rules, designated vendor spaces, and improved road infrastructure could alleviate the crisis. For now, however, commuters continue to bear the brunt of chaos at one of Guwahati’s most vital intersections.

 Also Read: Guwahati: Traffic Chaos at Six Mile-Borbari Junction

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