GUWAHATI: Transforming criticism into praise, the elevated south bank corridor of the Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge emerges as a cherished public space
The recently inaugurated elevated south bank corridor of the Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge, now featuring completed footpath works, has become a favorite spot for residents and the public. The area, which had initially faced criticism for disrupting daily commutes, is now being praised for providing a space for leisure, fitness, and a closer connection with nature.
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The construction of the six-lane Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge began in 2019, with an estimated cost of Rs 2,608.68 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the bridge in February 2019. The progress was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, but around 82% of the construction has been completed, and the authorities expect to open the bridge by December. The bridge, which will be the country’s longest extra dosed bridge, employs friction pendulum bearing technology to mitigate earthquake risks, a crucial feature given Assam’s location in the Earthquake-5 zone.
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Initially, the inauguration of the corridor led to significant disruptions for residents between Bhootnath and Machkhowa, as the existing MG Road was barricaded. The elevated corridor, designed to decongest the 3 km-long Bhootnath-Machkhowa stretch, diverted traffic over the river. Vehicles coming from Jalukbari were rerouted to the elevated corridor at Bhootnath, rejoining MG Road at Machkhowa, while those from Panbazar continued to use the existing MG Road. This change created challenges for local residents who relied on public transportation, forcing many to walk long distances for their daily needs.
However, the completed footpath works have brought a positive shift in public opinion. “It’s wonderful to have such a well-maintained footpath. I come here every morning for my walk, and the fresh air and beautiful views are refreshing,” said a local resident.
Fitness enthusiasts have particularly appreciated the new space. “This is the perfect place for my evening jog. It’s safe, spacious, and the scenic beauty around makes it very pleasant,” shared another resident.
Families have also found the new space beneficial for their routine escape. “We end up visiting this spot to get rid of the city’s commotion. It’s quite refreshing,” mentioned another visitor.
Despite the initial exasperation, the footpaths have transformed the corridor into a multifunctional space fostering health and nature’s embrace. The corridor’s design, incorporating noise-barrier technology, ensures minimal disturbance to nearby educational institutions, such as Sonaram HS School.
Residents had earlier voiced concerns about the lack of transportation options. Pranita Das, a resident of Maligaon, mentioned, “My son had no option to reach the school directly. He had to walk from Bhootnath. With loaded bags and the weather conditions, it will be more difficult in the coming days.” The increase in E-rickshaws near the entry and exit points of the corridor also highlighted the need for better transport solutions. An e-rickshaw driver noted, “Eventually there will be long queues of rickshaws waiting near the junctions of the corridor. New drivers will take the opportunity to take a roundabout near Machkhowa and drop passengers while returning towards Maligaon. This will further intensify the traffic problems unless a solution is figured out.”
A student from Pragjyotish College expressed frustration with the traffic restrictions, stating, “This was totally unexpected. We were excited about the corridor but traffic restrictions have shattered it all. The Shantipur link roads are already jam-packed. Now we have to take another round to reach the college.”
Despite these challenges, the completed footpath works have started to alleviate some of the public’s concerns. The authorities are urged to provide a service lane to further ease the commute for residents. A senior traffic police official mentioned, “There are no such plans of removing the barricades as the concerned authorities are planning to start with the construction of a project soon. Regarding the commute of the public, DTO enforcement will have to figure out something.”
Moreover, safety is another concern as a certain portion the corridor is occupied by vehicles halting to enjoy the beauty of the area. Although the width of the corridor is stretched, but the mishaps that happen cannot be ignored.
As the debate about opening the traffic restrictions continue, the positive reception of the footpath works suggests that thoughtful enhancements can significantly improve public satisfaction. Meanwhile the concerning factor falls upon those who visit the spot using vehicles rather than the pedestrians.
