The rules regarding the movement of heavy vehicles in Guwahati appear to be straightforward on paper but are riddled with contradictions in practice
Guwahati’s roads are becoming increasingly hazardous as heavy construction vehicles continue to operate during peak hours, despite clear regulations prohibiting their movement. These vehicles are making the roads increasingly unsafe. Recent accidents and the daily chaos caused by these vehicles have left commuters frustrated, questioning the lack of enforcement and accountability from authorities.
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On January 20, a Hydra vehicle rammed into a couple near Satgaon at 1:10 p.m. The husband, a 33-year-old man riding a two-wheeler, filed a complaint at Satgaon Police Station after his wife sustained injuries. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, highlighted clear violations of traffic rules by heavy construction vehicles.
On the same day, a tempo carrying medicines lost control and plunged into a water body in Budh Bazar. Though no casualties were reported, the crash drew attention to the unchecked presence of such vehicles during restricted hours. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with local residents rushing to the spot to rescue the driver and retrieve the goods.
These two incidents are not isolated. Across Guwahati, residents regularly encounter heavy vehicles on busy roads during prohibited hours, leading to traffic snarls and safety concerns.
Speaking to GPlus, a daily commuter from Zoo Road said, “Every day, I see large trucks and construction vehicles clogging the roads during peak hours. They are not supposed to be here, but no one seems to enforce the rules. It is dangerous and extremely inconvenient for people like us who commute daily.”
Another commuter from Narengi expressed anger over the lack of action. “We hear about regulations all the time, but what’s the point if they are not enforced? These vehicles should not be allowed on the roads when people are traveling to work or school.”
The rules regarding the movement of heavy vehicles in Guwahati appear to be straightforward on paper but are riddled with contradictions in practice.
A senior official from the District Transport Office (DTO) told GPlus, “Construction equipment vehicles are only allowed to operate between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Any vehicle found on the road outside these hours is in violation of the law.”
However, speaking to GPlus, a senior official from Guwahati Traffic Police said, “Heavy vehicles are not permitted to ply within city limits between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. unless they have special permission for construction work. Unfortunately, not all drivers adhere to these guidelines.”
Despite these rules, enforcement remains lax. Many commuters and residents argue that heavy vehicles continue to ply during restricted hours without facing consequences.
Speaking to GPlus, a Narengi resident said, “What’s the use of having rules if no one follows them? Every day, I see these vehicles operating during the day, causing traffic jams and accidents. The authorities need to do more than just issue guidelines.”
When asked about enforcement, a senior traffic police official admitted the difficulties. “We try to monitor and penalise violators, but it’s not easy. Guwahati has grown rapidly, and the volume of traffic has increased significantly. We are understaffed, which makes it challenging to ensure compliance everywhere,” the official said. The official further urged citizens to report violations. “If people see heavy vehicles on the roads during restricted hours, they should inform us immediately. It will help us take action quickly,” he added.
The recent accidents and daily inconveniences have led to an outcry for stricter enforcement and better monitoring. Many residents believe the authorities need to adopt technology, such as installing surveillance cameras at key junctions, to track the movement of heavy vehicles.
Speaking to GPlus, a commuter in Guwahati said, “The city should have functional cameras specifically monitoring heavy vehicles. If they are caught violating the rules, the fines should be steep enough to deter others from doing the same.”
Others have called for more awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the risks of violating the rules. “Drivers of these vehicles need to be made aware of the dangers they pose to the public. There should be regular workshops or sessions for them,” a resident from Beltola told GPlus.
A senior official said, “We understand the concerns of the public. Heavy vehicles should not operate during the day, and we are working on strengthening enforcement. However, it is also important for the public to cooperate and report violations so that we can act more effectively.”
At the same time, the District Transport Office emphasised the importance of following regulations. “The rules are there for a reason. Construction vehicles should only operate during the designated hours to ensure public safety. We will take strict action against violators,” the official said.
