GUWAHATI: A citywide traffic nightmare unfolded on February 24 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Jhumoir Binandini event at Sarusajai Stadium, bringing Guwahati to a standstill for hours. Residents were stranded in long jams, ambulances struggled to make way, and many missed flights—all while authorities remained focused on VIP movements, leaving the public to fend for themselves.
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The gridlock started around 5 PM near Saraighat Bridge, with commuters reporting standstill traffic for hours. Major roads in Maligaon, Jalukbari, and surrounding areas saw severe congestion due to traffic restrictions imposed for the event.
“I’ve been stuck here since almost 5 PM, and it’s about to be 9 now. There’s no sign of movement, and it’s getting really frustrating,” said one exasperated commuter.
The situation worsened as ambulances were trapped in the congestion, and passengers missed flights due to the gridlock. A cab driver, who frequently ferries airport passengers, described the day as a financial disaster. “It was a total loss for us. Normally, ₹700 fuel is enough, but today I had to refuel for ₹1,400,” he said.
Despite the planned restrictions, traffic officials were ill-equipped to manage the chaos. “If we are not ready to handle such situations, then why invite trouble? How is this an advantage?” questioned a resident of Amingaon, taking a dig at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, which also brought over 7,000 delegates, including VIPs and foreign representatives, to the city.
Even at the Sarusajai venue, attendees struggled to enter, with delays worsening the situation. Citizens took to social media to highlight the chaos, criticising the lack of preparedness.
An official from EGPD mentioned, “The event was supposed to start early but got delayed. We tried our best, but at times like these, it gets tough.”
Meanwhile, PM Modi was seen playing the Dhomsa, a traditional tea tribe drum, at the event—though ironically, it was the common people who bore the brunt of the day’s troubles.
