Residents from Guwahati face severe disruptions due to the ongoing Cycle Factory Flyover construction, with major traffic changes causing frustration and skepticism about the project's timeline and benefits
ALSO READ: Safety Of Girl Child In Assam: A Burning Issue?
Guwahati residents and daily commuters are struggling with a significant upheaval in their routines as the ongoing construction of the Cycle Factory Flyover in the Barsapara area has led to a drastic reconfiguration of traffic routes. The Guwahati Traffic Police, responding to the demands of the construction project, implemented sweeping changes on August 19, which are set to remain in place until further notice.
The most significant alteration involves the road stretch between Birubari Tiniali and Barsapara Tiniali, which has been converted into a one-way route. Vehicles are now permitted to travel only in the direction from Arya Nagar/Birubari Tiniali towards Barsapara Tiniali. Commuters heading back in the opposite direction must now seek alternative routes, further complicating their journeys.
Furthermore, once the first phase of the flyover's construction is completed, a portion of the road between Birubari Tiniali and the Cycle Factory is expected to reopen for partial two-way traffic. However, this has done little to appease local residents, who remain skeptical about the timelines and the effectiveness of these arrangements.
A key diversion has also been introduced for traffic from Lalganesh. Vehicles heading towards the Cycle Factory must now detour at Barsapara Tiniali, taking the Kula Basumatary Road past the ACA Stadium, towards Dhirenpara Tiniali on A.K. Dev Road. From there, commuters can choose to either turn left towards NH-27 or right towards Ambari Tiniali/Fatasil Chariali. The rerouting has added significant travel time and fuel costs for many, particularly those reliant on public transport. Along with that due to the two-way traffic in that stretch congestion at peak hours has become unavoidable. Even deployed traffic officials are left scratching their heads while managing the flow.
Speaking to GPlus, a traffic official from Fatasil Ambari stated, "It's just the way it is. There are plenty of residential complexes here and a prominent school. So we cannot just restrict the two-way traffic. All we can do is be patient."
For public transport users, the situation has become even more challenging. Routes that previously offered direct access to key locations have been redirected, with buses now taking a circuitous route from Ambari through Chabipool, further straining the patience of daily commuters.
The construction, though aimed at easing long-term traffic congestion, has caused immediate disruptions for residents and local businesses. The once straightforward routes are now replaced with complex detours, leading to delays and frustration among those trying to reach educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and commercial establishments in the area.
Shopkeepers, in particular, are feeling the pinch as customer footfall has decreased due to the traffic diversions. One shopkeeper, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed his frustration: “The flyover might help in the long run, but right now, it's killing our business. Customers are finding it difficult to reach our shops, and with the traffic so bad, people are simply avoiding this area.”
Similarly, parents are concerned about the impact on their children's daily commute to school. A mother of two, residing near Birubari, voiced her concerns: “It’s taking us almost double the time to drop off and pick up our kids from school. The roads are so congested, and the detours are confusing. We’re worried about how long this is going to last.”
Senior citizens, too, have been vocal about their dissatisfaction. A resident in his late 60s commented, “At my age, I need to visit the hospital regularly for check-ups. Now, what used to be a 10-minute drive has turned into a 30-minute ordeal. It’s exhausting and stressful.”
Adding to the public’s concerns is the skepticism surrounding the project’s timelines. The Public Works Department (PWD) has assured the public that the flyover will be completed within a year. However, past experiences with delayed infrastructure projects in Guwahati have left many residents doubtful.
One resident, reflecting on previous delays, said: “We’ve seen these kinds of projects drag on for years beyond the promised deadlines. The authorities always say it’ll be done quickly, but it rarely happens that way.”
The project has also sparked fears of increasing the city’s already problematic flooding issues. Areas such as Zoo Road and Boragaon have been cited by locals as examples where infrastructural developments have led to increased flash flooding. The worry is that the new flyover, while easing traffic in the long run, may inadvertently contribute to similar issues in the Barsapara area.
A local commuter shared his concerns: “Every time there’s construction like this, we see more flooding when the rains come. We’re already seeing problems in other parts of the city, and I fear the same will happen here.”
In response to the rising public discontent, a senior PWD official, speaking to GPlus explained the department’s position: “We were waiting for the acquisition of land, and after the order was passed by the DC, we commenced the project. We are planning to complete the initial phase sooner to improve the traffic scenario.”
Despite these assurances, the disruption caused by the construction continues to dominate conversations among residents, with many remaining unconvinced of the project’s benefits.
Local businesses, already under pressure from reduced customer traffic, are also concerned about the long-term impact on their livelihoods. With the flyover expected to take at least a year to complete, the immediate future looks challenging for both shopkeepers and residents in the area.
The construction of the Cycle Factory Flyover in Guwahati is a stark reminder of the challenges that accompany urban development. While the long-term benefits of improved infrastructure are clear, the immediate impact on local communities cannot be overlooked.
As the city continues to grow, balancing the needs of development with the well-being of its residents will be crucial. For now, however, the people of Guwahati must navigate the frustrations and disruptions brought about by this latest project, hoping that the promises of a smoother commute and improved traffic flow will eventually be realised.
In the meantime, the PWD and other authorities must do well to heed the concerns of the public and work towards mitigating the adverse effects of such developments.