Guwahati: City Police Struggle to Control Traffic Chaos

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Guwahati city police is still struggling to control the traffic in the city, with many areas lacking Intelligent Public Management System (IPMS) or having non-functional systems. The situation is particularly dire in areas like Beltola Sariali, which transforms into a bustling hub during morning hours as workers gather, leading to congested roads and chaotic scenes. The absence of basic infrastructure, such as zebra crossings and traffic signals, exacerbates the problem, making it challenging for pedestrians and vehicles to navigate the area safely. With the area remaining busy from as early as 6:30 am, the need for effective traffic management solutions is more pressing than ever.

The Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) in Guwahati has come under fire from residents, who claim that the system has failed to curb rampant traffic violations in the city. Despite being introduced with much fanfare, the initiative has drawn criticism for its inefficiency and lack of impact.

A resident of Beltola Tiniali told The Sentinel “There are no rules being followed here. People jump signals, drive recklessly, and ITMS does nothing. Where is the system they promised us? If there is no progress, then why are we paying our taxes?”

Guwahati Smart City Limited (GSCL), the agency responsible for ITMS implementation, acknowledged the challenges but attributed the issues to a lack of interdepartmental coordination. “Initially, we installed 62 ITMS units across various junctions. However due to multiple challenges posed by different departments, we had to remove or dismantle several of them,” a GSCL official stated.

Residents of Hatigaon, another key area under ITMS, also expressed similar concerns. “The ITMS in Hatigaon has never worked. I have been living here for years, and every day, I see traffic violations happening right under those cameras. If they don’t work, then what is the point of installing them? They are just wasting public money,” a local resident said.

The GSCL official explained that one of the key issues affecting ITMS performance is its reliance on zebra crossings. “The system is designed to detect traffic movement based on zebra crossings. But if those crossings are not properly maintained, ITMS fails to function as intended,” he said. Additionally, ongoing construction projects in the city have further hindered the system’s efficiency.

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