Guwahati’s Fatasil has become a hub of commercial and residential activity in recent years. The area's rapid growth has led to an influx of people, vehicles, and construction, resulting in increased traffic. The once-manageable roads are now plagued by severe traffic congestion, causing frustration and hardship for commuters.
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The area's population has grown exponentially, putting pressure on the existing infrastructure. Roads and highways are unable to accommodate the growing number of vehicles. The lack of effective traffic management, the absence of proper traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, parking spaces, and the presence of street vendors has created a free-for-all situation.
An investigation into the traffic congestion issue led us to the IC of the Fatasil Ambari Traffic Branch, Mirjahan Hussain. His jurisdiction includes six traffic points: Dhirenpara, Fatasil Ambari, Cycle Factory, Barsapara Police Station, Lal Ganesh, and Jyoti Kuchi. Cycle Factory is the most congested, with vehicles frequently coming to a standstill.
When asked about the adequacy of personnel at each point, Hussain explained that the Fatasil Traffic Branch has at least 30 officers. Each traffic point has a single officer assigned at any given time, working in shifts to cover the day. In case of traffic jams, additional officers are dispatched.
Regarding the encroachment of road space by street vendors, Hussain clarified that the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) is responsible for addressing this issue. Although the GMC removes vendors in the morning, they return by evening, and a permanent solution has yet to be found.
Non-functional traffic signals at various points further escalates the congestion. Only the signal at Lal Ganesh functions properly due to its well-designed roadways. Other points require road expansion to two lanes to facilitate smooth traffic flow. Despite the functionality of the signals, they are often kept turned off by the headquarters, compounding the problem.
Hussain emphasised the importance of collective effort in solving traffic issues, highlighting the role of selflessness and cooperation among residents. Two-wheelers, in particular, are a major contributor to the congestion.
Jayanta Sarathi Bora, DCP Traffic Branch, acknowledged the exponential increase in traffic volume and the ongoing efforts to manage it. He noted that the issue of insufficient recruitment is an internal matter.
Residents and workers around these traffic points shared their daily struggles. A shopkeeper mentioned growing accustomed to the noise and pollution, while a customer expressed concerns about the safety of schoolchildren and lone minors crossing the roads. Street vendors admitted to occupying spaces illegally due to the high cost of setting up stalls elsewhere.
Traffic congestion in Fatasil has led to various issues:
Idling vehicles emit harmful pollutants, deteriorating air quality and posing health risks to residents.
Delays and lost productivity, prompting many businesses to relocate to areas with better infrastructure.
Increase in the risk of accidents, with a rise in accidents and fatalities in Fatasil over the past year.
Some possible changes that could decrease congestion:
Upgrading roads and building new highways, and constructing a proposed bypass road.
Installing smart traffic signals and pedestrian crossings can improve traffic flow.
Promoting public transportation can reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.
Implementing intelligent transportation systems and traffic monitoring can optimise traffic flow using technology.
The traffic issue in Fatasil, Guwahati, requires immediate attention and action. By addressing the causes and implementing solutions, we can reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the overall quality of life for citizens.