Guwahati Traffic: A Sorry State of Affairs

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Every morning and evening, Guwahati transforms into a scene of disarray. From unruly buses stopping wherever they please to pedestrians risking lives by darting through traffic instead of using footbridges, the city’s roads are a picture of chaos — and residents have had enough. 

The stretch near Walford and Ganeshguri is one of the worst affected, with no signs of order or regulation. For the thousands who navigate this corridor daily, frustration and delays have become routine. 

“I leave home early, thinking I’ll beat the rush, but the traffic here is always a disaster,” said Kukil Borah, a regular commuter. “Buses block the road, people jump in and out, and there’s no one to control it. It’s a mess.” 

At the core of the problem lies the reckless behaviour of city buses, which disregard designated stops and halt wherever they find space. “There’s no system at all,” said Sapna Das, another daily traveller. “Buses stop wherever they want, and we’re stuck for ages. No one seems to care about fixing this.” 

Pedestrians’ behaviour only adds to the pandemonium. Despite the presence of foot overbridges meant for safe crossing, many people simply ignore them, opting instead to dash across busy roads. 

“Nobody wants to climb the bridge. They think it takes too much time, so they just run across,” said Sunil Agarwala, who owns a hardware store near Walford. “It slows down traffic, causes near accidents, and makes life difficult for drivers.” 

A shopkeeper near Ganeshguri echoed the concerns, highlighting how the chaos has real safety consequences. “Accidents are common here. I’ve seen so many. Vehicles screech to a halt as people suddenly run across the road. Bikers get caught between reckless buses and jaywalkers. It’s dangerous.” 

The persistent disorder has left citizens questioning the role of the Transport Department and traffic enforcement authorities. Many are asking why city buses aren’t regularly monitored, why designated stops aren’t enforced, and why pedestrian safety is not taken seriously. 

“It feels like no one is in charge,” said another commuter. “Are the authorities even aware of what’s happening on the ground?” 

As Guwahati continues to expand, residents say better urban planning, stronger enforcement, and improved public awareness are urgently needed. Until then, the city’s traffic woes look set to continue, making every commute a test of patience and safety.

Also Read: Assam: Bhutanese Vehicle Breaks Traffic Rules In Pathsala

Also Watch: