Guwahati is known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty, and the developmental growth it is witnessing every year. However, the city is also growing with traffic congestions and a rising number of accidents. One particular dangerous spot of the city is the U- turn near Tirupati Balaji Mandir in the Garchuk area. This U-turn has become a notorious accident zone due to several factors - lack of proper signage, reckless driving and a concerning absence of traffic police officers.
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Residents of the area voiced their concerns repeatedly, highlighting the dangers posed by the U-turn. Accidents here are frequent, often involving two- wheelers, cars and even pedestrians. The severity of these accidents varies, but even minor collisions can cause significant inconvenience and trauma.
The area is surrounded by educational institutes, restaurants, stores, street food carts and temples, evidently making the road busy with pedestrians and students.
There is a multitude of issues contributing to the problem as the U- turn lacks clear and prominent signage. This ambiguity creates confusion, especially for those unfamiliar with the area. Violation of traffic rules - over speeding, jumping signals and improper use of lane are rampant near the U-turn. This disregard for traffic rules by some drivers significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Moreover, the conspicuous absence of traffic police personnel in the area aggravates the amount of reckless driving and creates a sense of insecurity. A visible police presence would deter such behaviour and ensure smoother traffic flow.
Upon asking about the absence of traffic police in the national highway signal, the IG of traffic department of the Garchuk Police station said that, "A traffic police cannot be at a place where there is no traffic point or signal". He also added that, "A traffic police officer is in duty on the signal point of National Highway from 7 am to 9pm". However, afternoon photographs of the Balaji temple area and the signal in the crossroad on the National Highway had no officer in duty.
The inspector in General of the Garchuk Traffic department also added his urge to have a footbridge over NH37.
Inquiring about the situation to the daily pedestrians and store managers of the area, they said raised their concern over the accident prone area and also added that an officer must regulate the traffic for an organised vehicular movement.
"The traffic officer is mostly present in case there is a vehicular crossing of a prominent person or politician and if there is any event in Maniram Diwan", an auto driver, who regularly parks at the area mentioned.
Due of the absence of a traffic regulator, there are many vehicles parked in front of no parking boards and in areas that restricts vehicular parking.
There is a prolonged improper assessment by traffic authorities which contributed to the problem of road mishaps.
Traffic calming measures are the need of the hour at the Garchuk Balaji temple area. Speed bumps and rumble strips must be implemented to reduce vehicle speeds and encourage cautious driving near the U- turn. A strict enforcement of traffic rules would send a strong message to motorists.
The situation at the Balaji Temple U- Turn is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety. This issue also highlights the importance of improved authoritisation and increased police presence. A focus on designing safe and well marked roads alongside responsible driving habits can significantly reduce traffic accidents in the city.
