Guwahati: Ganeshguri junction set for major overhaul to tackle traffic chaos

Staff reporter

Guwahati: In a significant move to address long-standing traffic snarls and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, Guwahati’s Ganeshguri junction is set to undergo a comprehensive revamp. Recognized as one of the city’s most critical and congested traffic intersections, the redevelopment project is expected to transform the area into a more organized and commuter-friendly space.

The ambitious initiative is being spearheaded by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) in collaboration with the Town and Country Planning (T&CP) Department, with the GMC overseeing funding and project supervision. The T&CP Department has been entrusted with on-ground execution. The project has been allocated a budget of Rs 2 crore and is targeted for completion by June this year.

According to a senior GMC official, “This redevelopment is not just about traffic relief. It’s a holistic urban upgrade, aimed at making the area more pedestrian-centric while regulating street-level chaos that often clogs public spaces.”

One of the standout features of the project is the construction of new, elevated footpaths, each measuring six inches in height and 3.5 metres in width. This upgrade is intended to make walking safer and more convenient for pedestrians, particularly in an area where foot traffic is heavy and often forced onto busy roads due to encroached or non-existent sidewalks.

The authorities also plan to organize roadside vending activities, which have traditionally been a major contributor to footpath congestion. Dedicated vending zones and enforcement measures will be introduced to ensure that pedestrians can walk without obstruction, improving overall urban mobility.

Ganeshguri junction holds strategic significance in Guwahati’s traffic network. It serves as a critical connection point to multiple key locations in the city, including Dispur Last Gate, Hatigaon, Paltan Bazar, Kahilipara, Zoo Road, and Khanapara. As per data from the T&CP Department, the junction handles traffic flow of over 3,000 vehicles per hour, making it one of the busiest nodes in Assam’s capital.

To address this overwhelming traffic volume, a major recalibration of the city’s integrated traffic management system has already been implemented. The previous traffic signal cycle of 140 seconds has been reduced to 70 seconds, utilizing a two-phase system combined with a junction-clearing mechanism. According to traffic official Borah, this adjustment has significantly reduced vehicle waiting times and has already shown a marked improvement in traffic flow efficiency.

The project also aims to breathe new life into parking spaces located under the flyovers in Ganeshguri. These areas, often underutilized and poorly maintained, will be restructured with dedicated entry and exit points, enhanced lighting systems, and better signage to improve safety and usability for drivers. This move is expected to reduce haphazard parking in the vicinity and free up more space on the main roads.

“This redevelopment is more than just a short-term intervention,” a GMC official emphasized. “Our goal is to build sustainable urban infrastructure that not only addresses today’s challenges but is also resilient enough to handle future demands. By focusing on walkability, traffic regulation, and public space management, we are aiming to redefine urban living standards in Guwahati.”

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