There is a growing need for the government to introduce measures that balance the convenience of vehicle ownership with the necessity of maintaining public safety and urban order
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As Guwahati's roads become increasingly congested, the city’s residents continue to purchase vehicles at a steady pace, with many households now owning more than one vehicle. This booming vehicular population is contributing to rising traffic congestion, increased pollution, a surge in road accidents, and an overall chaotic urban environment. Despite these alarming trends, there is currently no policy in place to curb the number of vehicles per household in Guwahati.
According to data from the District Transport Office, a staggering 113,293 vehicles were registered between April 2023 and March 2024, comprising both transport and non-transport vehicles. Among these, two-wheelers, including motorcycles and scooters, dominated the registration figures with 59,523 new vehicles. Motor cars followed with 33,751 registrations, while goods carriers accounted for 5,923 vehicles. The highest number of registrations was recorded in October 2023, with a total of 11,711 vehicles.
In the first four months of the current fiscal year, from April to July 2024, an additional 34,340 vehicles have already been registered. This includes 19,114 motorcycles or scooters, 10,056 motor cars, and 1,868 goods carriers as the top three registered vehicles. The average monthly vehicle registration in Guwahati now stands at approximately 9,441.
Despite this upward trend in vehicle purchases, the Assam Transport Department has not introduced any measures to limit the number of vehicles a household can own. When questioned by GPlus about whether there are plans to implement such a policy, a transport department official responded, "As of now, there is no such plan."
In contrast, other Indian states have implemented innovative policies to manage vehicle growth and reduce traffic congestion. In Delhi, the government introduced the odd-even registration plate scheme in January 2016 to control the number of vehicles on the road. Under this system, vehicles with odd-numbered registration plates were allowed to operate on odd dates, while those with even-numbered plates could operate on even dates. This policy was successful in reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality during its implementation periods.
Similarly, cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai have encouraged carpooling and ride-sharing as ways to mitigate traffic congestion. In Bengaluru, the government has partnered with ride-hailing companies to promote carpooling by offering incentives such as toll exemptions and designated carpool lanes. This initiative has been positively received by the public and has contributed to a reduction in the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the roads.
Meanwhile, the roads in Guwahati continue to deteriorate under the strain of heavy vehicular movement. Potholes and poorly maintained roads are becoming increasingly common, further intensifying the city’s traffic woes. The lack of a coherent policy to regulate vehicle purchases, combined with inadequate infrastructure, is pushing Guwahati toward an unsustainable future.
In addition to traffic congestion, the rising number of vehicles has also been linked to an increase in crime rates, including theft, smuggling, and kidnapping. The unregulated growth in vehicle numbers is contributing to a sense of lawlessness in the city, as criminals take advantage of the chaotic conditions.
As Guwahati grapples with these challenges, there is a growing need for the government to introduce measures that balance the convenience of vehicle ownership with the necessity of maintaining public safety and urban order. Without intervention, the city’s problems are likely to intensify, making life increasingly difficult for its residents.