Sijubari Chariali, located in the Hatigaon locality of Guwahati, continues to grapple with deteriorating road conditions, despite a so-called restoration project undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD). The area, long known for its chronic waterlogging issues, has seen little to no improvement, leaving residents frustrated and commuters in constant peril.
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For years, parts of the roads in Sijubari Chariali have been submerged in water, especially after rain; in recent months, the situation has worsened dramatically. At no point have the roads been dry, with sections constantly under water, even during the driest spells. This persistent waterlogging has made life unbearable for the residents and the many pedestrians and vehicles that use this crucial junction daily.
In a bid to address the problem, the Dispur Division of the PWD undertook a restoration project, but it has done little to change the fate of Sijubari Chariali. Residents have expressed outrage over the substandard quality of work, compounded by the lack of coordination between other departments, namely Purba Bharati Gas Private Limited (PBGPL) and the Guwahati Jal Board (GJB). These departments, responsible for laying pipelines and improving the drainage system, have allegedly failed to conduct their tasks efficiently, intensifying the situation.
The chaotic scene at Sijubari Chariali paints a grim picture of government neglect, with multiple authorities involved but none taking responsibility for the mess. The Dispur Division of the PWD, which spearheaded the road restoration, has astonishingly failed to make any meaningful impact. The road’s deteriorating condition only highlights how poorly executed the project was, with large sections of the road quickly deteriorating after every downpour.
An anonymous local shopkeeper near the junction shared their frustration: "We’ve seen so many promises about improving the roads, but nothing ever changes. The restoration they talk about is just a coat of tar that washes away with the rain. Every monsoon, we are back to square one, with large pools of water, potholes, and traffic jams. It’s getting worse by the day."
Another resident, who has lived in the area for over 20 years, commented on the miserable state of the roads during night hours: "Driving at night is a nightmare. The water covers the road so much that it’s impossible to tell where the potholes are. Just the other night, a motorcyclist had a nasty fall after hitting a submerged pothole. This could have been avoided if proper repairs were done, but the authorities seem to care very little."
The poor drainage system is a consistent cause of concern, with a local commuter voicing their frustration: "After even the lightest of rains, sections of the road deteriorate. The water takes days to drain, leaving behind huge craters and making the road impassable. It feels like we’re constantly waiting for the next accident to happen."
Another frequent pedestrian who uses the road daily to commute to work added: "During peak hours, the traffic is unbearable. With the road conditions as bad as they are, walking has become just as dangerous as driving. Waterlogged patches, lack of traffic management, and uneven road surfaces are accidents waiting to happen. We’ve raised our concerns multiple times, but nothing ever improves."
Adding to the area’s woes is the complete lack of traffic management. Sijubari Chariali is one of the busiest intersections in the city, with both vehicles and pedestrians frequenting the road at all hours of the day. Yet, despite its importance as a vital junction, no traffic management measures are in place, leading to chaos during the day and unsafe conditions at night.
The absence of traffic signals, lack of proper signage, and unmonitored pedestrian crossings only heighten the danger for those who traverse the area. The overwhelming congestion has made navigating the junction an exhausting and risky experience for daily commuters, many of whom have voiced their discontent, only to be ignored by the authorities.
Despite the widespread criticism from the public, the local ward councillor has downplayed the severity of the issue. "The present condition is better than earlier," she stated in a comment. "The drainage has been an issue as there is no adequate space for construction. However, the waterlogging clears after a certain time. The area in which there is constant waterlogging needs an elevation, and the PWD will look after it soon."
These remarks, however, seem to offer little solace to residents who continue to bear the brunt of the problems. While the councillor acknowledges that certain areas require elevation, the claim that the situation is improving does not align with the reality on the ground. For the people of Sijubari Chariali, the roads remain perpetually submerged, with no end in sight.
Efforts to reach out to Munin Deka, the Executive Engineer of the Dispur Division of the PWD, have been unsuccessful. GPlus attempted to contact Deka for a statement on the quality of the restoration work and the complaints from local residents, but no response was forthcoming.
The silence from the PWD only fuels the frustration of those living in the area,who feel that their voices are being ignored in the corridors of power. Without accountability or proper communication from the responsible authorities, the future of Sijubari Chariali remains bleak.
It is clear that the restoration project, touted as a solution to Sijubari Chariali’s waterlogging and road problems, has failed spectacularly. The combination of substandard workmanship, poor inter-departmental coordination, and a complete lack of traffic management has left the residents in a state of despair. While the councillor’s comments offer vague promises of future repairs, there is little confidence among the public that any meaningful action will be taken.
For a junction as vital as Sijubari Chariali, more needs to be done—and fast. The PWD must take responsibility for the inadequate restoration efforts, and the GJB and PBGPL must be held accountable for their part in aggravating the situation. Until these departments work together to implement a comprehensive, long-term solution, the residents of Hatigaon will continue to suffer.
The time for excuses has passed. It is about time the authorities address the deep-rooted issues plaguing this locality and finally improve the condition of Sijubari Chariali’s roads before more accidents and mishaps take place.