Guwahati: Encroached footpaths force pedestrians onto risky roads

Staff reporter

Guwahati: Once intended as safe walkways for residents, footpaths across Guwahati have now turned into zones of utter chaos, encroached upon by unauthorized vendors, parked two-wheelers, and debris from ongoing flyover construction. As a result, pedestrians are being forced off the pavements and onto busy roads, risking their safety with every step.

The situation is particularly dire in areas around infrastructure projects. Construction barricades, heavy machinery, and scattered rubble have eaten away the limited space meant for walkers. What worsens the problem is the absence of alternative pedestrian routes or basic safety measures like proper signage and temporary walkways.

“I was walking on the footpath when a bike brushed past me at an alarming distance. It was both shocking and dangerous,” shared a pedestrian from Christian Basti, while talking to The Sentinel.

A Silpukhuri resident expressed similar frustration, “Sometimes I avoid using the footpath altogether because it’s so poorly maintained. It feels safer to take a longer route just to find a proper walking path.”

Echoing the public sentiment, another commuter from Six-Mile added, “The government must ensure that footpaths remain usable. Wherever construction disrupts access, temporary pathways should be provided immediately.”

With the city already struggling with monsoon rains and worsening traffic congestion, the neglect of pedestrian infrastructure is turning into a civic crisis. Urban planners and municipal authorities are being urged to act swiftly to prevent accidents and uphold the right to safe mobility for all.

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