Without systemic changes and increased support from the authorities, the traffic police will struggle to keep pace with the demands of a rapidly growing city
Guwahati has been struggling with a rapid increase in vehicular population, coupled with the pressures of ongoing infrastructure development. Amid these challenges, the city's traffic police force has become the thin blue line tasked with maintaining order on increasingly congested roads. However, their efforts seem to be falling short as gridlocks, law violations, and accident-prone zones remain persistent issues.
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The city's traffic police force appears to be outnumbered by the growing vehicle count. With new vehicles added to the roads daily, managing the flow of traffic has become a monumental task. Several areas, including Lalmati, Shantipur, and Jyotikuchi, are particularly prone to accidents, yet these zones lack a constant presence of traffic officials throughout the day.
Although the city has introduced the Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) to improve monitoring and regulation, its incomplete execution has limited its effectiveness. The absence of proper road markings and adequate signage further increases the problem, making navigation a challenge for both residents and officials.
Speaking anonymously, a traffic official shared, “We are outnumbered. It is literally impossible to be present everywhere every time.”
One of the recurring criticisms from the public is the preferential treatment given to VIPs and VVIPs on Guwahati's roads. Residents argue that traffic police officers appear to be most diligent only when high-ranking politicians, bureaucrats, or other dignitaries are travelling. Ordinary commuters, meanwhile, are left to bear the brunt of congestion and inefficiencies.
While periodic inspections and enforcement campaigns, such as those targeting drunk driving, have resulted in substantial fines, the inconsistent application of traffic laws such as no-parking zones and wrong-side driving undermines public trust in the system.
Traffic police officers face significant hurdles while performing their duties. A senior official revealed that their workload often extends beyond traffic management, particularly during special visits by central and state ministers. This additional responsibility stretches the already limited workforce, further reducing their ability to address routine traffic issues.
Weather conditions and environmental challenges add another layer of difficulty. “During adverse weather conditions, we face the wrath of nature and yet perform the duties assigned,” an official said. The pollution and dust generated by ongoing construction projects in the city make their working conditions even more hazardous.
Night duty presents its own risks. Officers stationed at checkpoints during late hours frequently encounter vehicles attempting to evade inspections by speeding away, putting the safety of policemen at risk. “It also gets dangerous for us during the night as vehicles trying to evade frisking speed off, sabotaging our safety,” said another official.
Additionally, the lack of proper safety equipment, particularly for night patrols, further endangers the lives of these public servants.
The perception of the traffic police among residents is mixed at best. While some acknowledge the challenges faced by officers, others accuse them of corruption and negligence. Drunk-driving checks, while necessary, have been criticised for selective enforcement, with allegations of offenders being let off after paying bribes.
“It seems like traffic police officers are hyper-alert only during drunk-driving checks,” said a local resident. “Many offenders are given passage after a mutual agreement on silent money.”
Such allegations erode public confidence in the traffic police and raise questions about the effectiveness of enforcement measures.
Guwahati's traffic issues are compounded by infrastructure shortcomings. The partial implementation of ITMS has left significant gaps in the city's traffic management capabilities. Without proper road markings, signages, and a reliable traffic signal system, even the most well-intentioned efforts by traffic police are bound to fall short.
The lack of adequate resources is also evident in the insufficient provision of safety gear for officers, particularly those assigned to night shifts. In a city where accidents are frequent, ensuring the safety of traffic personnel should be a priority for the authorities.
Residents of Guwahati have expressed their frustration with the current state of traffic management. “Accident-prone areas like Lalmati and Shantipur often go unmonitored for most of the day,” said a commuter. “The police are only visible when there’s a VIP movement or a special inspection drive.”
Another resident pointed out the inefficiency of the ITMS system, which was expected to streamline traffic flow but has yet to deliver significant improvements. “If the ITMS was implemented properly, we wouldn’t need as many officers on the ground,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the Guwahati Traffic Police continue to play a crucial role in maintaining order on the city's roads. Their efforts to enforce laws, conduct inspections, and manage traffic during VIP movements are commendable, given the constraints they face.
However, it is clear that without systemic changes and increased support from the authorities, the traffic police will struggle to keep pace with the demands of a rapidly growing city.
Addressing Guwahati’s traffic challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. Experts suggest that the traffic police force needs to be expanded to match the growing vehicular population. Additional personnel should be deployed to accident-prone areas to ensure round-the-clock monitoring. The completion of ITMS and the installation of proper road markings and signages should be prioritised to improve traffic management. Traffic personnel must be equipped with safety gear, especially for night patrols, to ensure their well-being. Measures must be taken to eliminate corruption and ensure the consistent application of traffic laws. Educating citizens about traffic rules and the importance of cooperation with law enforcement can help create a more disciplined driving culture. Regular audits of the traffic police’s performance, as well as stricter initiatives for violations, can help restore public trust in the system.
Guwahati’s traffic management system is at a crossroads. While the city’s traffic police have made commendable efforts under challenging circumstances, systemic issues and resource constraints have limited their effectiveness. Without urgent intervention and long-term planning, the dream of smooth traffic flow in Guwahati will remain elusive.
As the city continues to grow, it is crucial for policymakers to address these challenges and support the traffic police in their mission to ensure safety and order on the roads.
Only then can Guwahati hope to overcome its gridlock and become a model of efficient urban transportation.
