The lack of street lighting has only exacerbated the situation, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents, especially at night, on NH 27
The NH-27 stretch from Khanapara to Jalukbari, once hailed as a crucial upgrade to Guwahati’s traffic infrastructure, has now earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous roads in the city. The absence of street lights, pedestrian crossings, proper enforcement against overspeeding and wrong-side driving, along with unplanned U-turn cuts, has turned this six-lane highway into a high-risk zone for both commuters and residents.
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A string of accidents has been reported on this stretch, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. In July 2024, a biker lost his life near Basistha after colliding with a vehicle driving on the wrong side. Another incident in November 2023 saw a pedestrian fatally hit near Khanapara while attempting to cross the road in complete darkness. In February 2024, a car skidded off the road near Jalukbari due to a sudden U-turn cut, injuring all passengers on board. In recent months, this segment has been the backdrop for a series of tragic incidents. On February 27, at approximately 1:30 AM, a grievous accident occurred near Lalmati. Birinchi Kumar Das, the Officer-in-Charge of Ghograpar Police Station in Nalbari, was fatally struck while riding his scooter. A speeding four-wheeler lost control, collided with the road divider, and subsequently crashed into Das's vehicle with devastating force. The impact was so severe that Das succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver of the offending vehicle fled immediately, and law enforcement agencies have since launched an investigation to apprehend the culprit.
This event is not isolated. In November 2024, the NH-27 junction near Radisson Blu witnessed a major accident when a towing operation went awry. The strap securing a vehicle snapped unexpectedly, leading to chaos that damaged multiple vehicles and injured two individuals. Despite the frequency of such incidents, there has been a conspicuous lack of remedial measures from the authorities. These incidents are just a few of the many reported cases that have made NH-27 a growing concern for residents and commuters.
A commuter who travels daily from Jalukbari to Khanapara shared his ordeal, stating, "After sunset, it’s like driving into an abyss. You can barely see the road, and then you suddenly come across a vehicle driving straight at you from the wrong side. It’s a nightmare." Another resident near the Basistha stretch voiced concerns about pedestrians, saying, "There is no way to cross this road safely. We have to either risk running across or walk a long distance to find a cut that’s just as dangerous."
Adding to the chaos is the rampant issue of overspeeding. With the absence of proper monitoring, vehicles often zoom past at reckless speeds, making it nearly impossible for pedestrians or smaller vehicles to navigate safely. The lack of street lighting has only exacerbated the situation, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents, especially at night. Residents have repeatedly urged the authorities to address these safety issues, but little has been done beyond floating tenders and assigning blame.
A source in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) stated, "The tender process is on the verge of completion and after a few months the street lights will be installed."
Meanwhile, a source from Guwahati Utility Company Limited (GUCL) provided a different perspective. "A tender has been floated under the aegis of NHAI. Due to some possibilities of other projects, the work is being speculated, thus delaying the installation," the source said, without specifying what these "other projects" might be or how long the speculation would continue.
The conflicting statements from various authorities paint a familiar picture of bureaucratic inefficiency, where public safety is lost amidst administrative back-and-forth. The question remains: if the installation of street lights was merely paused during construction, what is preventing the authorities from resuming it now? If tenders have already been floated, why is there still no sign of work beginning?
For the people who use NH-27 every day, the lack of clarity and action means continued risk. Pedestrians, in particular, face an uphill battle in navigating this dangerous stretch.
The absence of designated crossings and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure forces people to take chances, often with tragic consequences. A resident from Jalukbari remarked, "Every time I step onto the road, I feel like I’m gambling with my life."
Motorists also face significant challenges. The reckless driving culture, fueled by the lack of enforcement, has made the highway an unpredictable and hazardous route. Without proper checks in place, wrong-side driving has become a common sight, with drivers taking shortcuts to avoid long detours. The unplanned U-turn cuts have only worsened the situation, as vehicles suddenly switch lanes or halt in the middle of fast-moving traffic. "It’s complete madness," said a cab driver who frequently drives on this stretch. "People take U-turns from anywhere, there are no proper signals, and at night, it’s pitch dark. How are we supposed to drive safely in these conditions?"
The authorities’ inaction has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the priorities of those responsible for infrastructure maintenance. "They will happily paint the dividers and put up fancy signboards, but when it comes to actual safety measures, there’s always an excuse," a commuter remarked in frustration. The delay in street light installation has only added to the growing distrust among residents towards local administration and highway authorities.
Media reports from the past year have consistently highlighted the dangers of NH-27. A report published in December 2023 detailed a series of accidents that occurred due to poor visibility at night. Another report from June 2024 cited data showing an increase in road mishaps on this particular stretch, with most incidents occurring in areas without proper lighting or pedestrian access. Despite these alarming statistics, the authorities have continued to sidestep direct responsibility.
The issue of street lighting on NH-27 is not a new one. Similar concerns were raised even before the expansion project was completed. However, the current situation has only worsened, as the upgraded infrastructure has led to higher speeds, heavier traffic, and a growing list of accidents. While the road itself may have been expanded to accommodate more vehicles, the basic safety measures that should have accompanied this expansion have been left in limbo.
The frustrating reality for residents and commuters is that there is no clear timeline for when these problems will be addressed. The authorities continue to pass the responsibility back and forth, offering vague explanations and bureaucratic roadblocks. Meanwhile, the people who rely on NH-27 daily are left to fend for themselves in a high-risk environment.
For now, the highway remains a dark and dangerous stretch where accidents are waiting to happen. While officials debate the technicalities of tenders and "other projects."
