GUWAHATI: With the construction of the new Brahmaputra Bridge from Bharalumukh under way, many concerned citizens and experts have pointed out that the vehicles from North Guwahati would add to the traffic congestion of the city.
Ranel Das, a prominent architect of the city said, “The government must have done a survey on the city traffic as well as other aspects, which I am not aware of. Let’s consider that, of the traffic from North Guwahati, 50% are to enter the city via Panbazar and the other 50% takes the diversion towards Maligoan. Even then this extra 50% would add to the current traffic. Further, as of now many people commuting by ferries and boats do not bring their own vehicles. But after the bridge is completed, many more would be commuting on their own vehicle. A study should have been done to understand the increase in passenger car unit (PCU). Also the boats reach the ‘ghats’ at say an interval of 45 minutes to one hour, but the bridge traffic would be continuous. So there is every chance that the congestion which is now irregular, would then be continuous. This would be a serious everyday issue.”
As such the Public Works Department (PWD) is now doing a feasibility study for the construction of a new elevated road connecting Machkhowa to Vivekananda, Uzan Bazar. As such surveys are being conducted, although the project is at its initial stage and nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
Paban Terang, Chief Executive Engineer, PWD (EAP) has confirmed the same.
The road, if constructed, would help to ease the traffic congestion of the much crowded MG Road, apart from shouldering the traffic from North Guwahati, commuting over the bridge.