Guwahati: Colourful street redesign in Paltan Bazar sparks mixed reactions

Staff reporter

Guwahati: A newly introduced colourful stretch in Paltan Bazar has added a vibrant touch to the area, but not everyone is pleased with the change. While the initiative aims to improve traffic regulation, many commuters and residents argue that it has done more harm than good. The redesigned road, now adorned with bright colours and newly placed barricades, has become a point of contention, with some calling it a mere cosmetic upgrade rather than a practical solution.

The project, part of a Tactical Urbanism initiative led by the Town and Country Planning Department, is an attempt to bring systematic order to one of Guwahati’s busiest commercial hubs. Similar efforts were previously undertaken in Ganeshguri, where a traffic island was created under the flyover to streamline vehicle movement. In Paltan Bazar, the new design features a traffic island near the Nepali Mandir area, along with strategically placed barricades meant to curb unauthorized parking—an issue often cited as a key contributor to congestion.

However, for many commuters, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Instead of easing congestion, they argue, the redesign has only added to their woes. “This is one of the busiest stretches in the city, with constant movement of railway passengers, office-goers, and shoppers. Instead of making things better, these changes have made the already chaotic traffic even worse,” complained a commuter.

Others have raised concerns about the planning process behind the initiative, questioning whether adequate research and traffic studies were conducted before implementing the changes. “It seems like the department comes up with these experiments without considering how they’ll affect people who travel through this area every day,” said a disgruntled resident. “Now, we are stuck in longer jams, and no one is accountable for the mess.”Another resident questioned the planning behind the initiative, stating, “The department does whatever they like without a proper plan. Now the traffic is worse, and we common people have to suffer.”

While authorities maintain that the initiative is a trial run to explore long-term solutions for traffic management, concerns persist over its immediate impact. The outcome of the ongoing evaluation will determine whether the changes will become permanent or require further modifications.

 Also Read: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Inaugurates 17.5-Meter Footbridge In Guwahati’s Paltan Bazar

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