GUWAHATI: This Durga Puja, residents saw a different pace in Guwahati, traffic-wise. With multiple construction projects underway, traffic congestion was likely in the city, which is usual during festive seasons. However special arrangements made to manage traffic have proven to be effective for Guwahatians.
While many parts of Guwahati saw slow but moving traffic, log jam was not chronic across the city.
Interestingly GS Road owing to its arterial location, which is mostly crowded and congested even on average days, barely saw any congestion during the four days of Durga Puja celebrations.
A resident of Guwahati, Mriganka Baruah, speaking to G Plus said, "We must appreciate the commendable work by the traffic personnel for such smooth traffic management. I was apprehensive about how traffic will be considering the cricket match and puja crowd but it was well managed."
While some appreciated the work done by the Guwahati Police, some pointed out that most people have either gone to their hometowns or are on vacation considering the long weekend.
"In Maligaon, traffic congestion was mainly due to the construction and also because it is a hub of puja pandals, which was expected," he added.
Madhurjya Bora who stays in Jalukbari said, "I went to Maligaon on Navami and there was a massive crowd. As the area for passage of vehicles is minimal it was super congested and even the foot-over bridge and nearby footpaths were very congested because of the crowd. I did spot several police recruits stationed in the area, even in most pandals who continued their tireless efforts."
It needs to be mentioned that several new recruits of Assam Police who are still under training were stationed in Guwahati for the management of the cricket match and Durga Puja.
A new recruit of Assam Police who was on duty for Durga Puja and the cricket match speaking to G Plus said, "We are among the 200 new recruits who are training at Nagaon. We reached Guwahati on 29 September as we were stationed to work for the cricket match from September 29 to October 2 and now we are working for Durga Puja."
Another young recruit said, "This is my first experience managing traffic during Puja and it has been a great one. Our training will be complete in the next three months."
A senior police officer speaking to G Plus pointed out that many times people contest the road themselves and make it difficult for others. "People turn cars anywhere without even thinking of the consequences," he said.
Joint Commissioner of Guwahati police Parthasarathi Mahanta talking to G Plus said, "Mainly it was possible because the people of Guwahati followed all traffic rules. Lane driving, parking, and obeying all other traffic rules the people helped the police to manage the traffic. All credit goes to the people of Guwahati." He further added that all police officials were on duty during the puja.