GUWAHATI: The ongoing construction of the Noonmati-Lamb Road flyover has raised concern among residents, particularly regarding the Public Works Department’s (PWD) management in the Ambari section. Issues surrounding ecological balance, construction hazards, and traffic mismanagement have left daily commuters and residents frustrated.
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Initially, the flyover was designed to descend near Dighalipukhuri with extensions towards Lamb Road and Rajgarh. However, following public protests over potential ecological damage, the plan was redesigned. While this addressed environmental concerns, construction materials piled up in the Ambari area have raised fresh issues. Residents have flagged the risky presence of steel rods protruding from the road, calling it a "disaster waiting to happen."
Daily commuters navigating through the Ambari stretch often encounter challenges due to the hasty decision, which many attribute to political pressure. A commuter stated, “Thankfully, no accidents have occurred so far, but the risk is evident.”
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) have made strict rules regarding construction materials obstructing public efficiency. They impose fines if the rules are flouted. However, this doesn't stand for PWD as the construction project is for the public and not private. An official from GMC confirmed.
The construction along MRD Road has also drawn criticism. With the Assam Chief Minister promising partial completion before Bohag Bihu, the pace of work has intensified, leading to complications for those commuting between Chandmari and Bamunimaidan.
Vehicles frequently suffer damage from loose cement chunks and construction debris along the route. A resident of Bamunimaidan shared his plight: “I had to visit the garage after my car was covered in cement residue. The construction sites are not protected above, making it risky for commuters."
A local garage owner corroborated these claims, saying, “We receive 6-8 vehicles daily with similar issues caused by the construction. It’s become a routine problem.”
Citizens have also expressed dissatisfaction over the confined space allocated for commuting. Many believe the construction area could be managed more efficiently to alleviate traffic congestion. The lack of proper barricades and safety measures has further fuelled the debate.
In response, a senior PWD official stated, “We ensure sufficient space for commuters based on the width of the road. Each site has unique requirements, and the machinery and utilities cannot be compromised. Public safety is our priority, and we cover construction areas wherever possible.”
The official also addressed a recent mishap near the PWD office between Chandmari and Silpukhuri, where road excavation caused a small section to cave in. Fortunately, no major accidents were reported, as repairs were promptly executed.
The ongoing construction has highlighted a lack of alternative commuting options, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of the government’s hurried development decisions. Many have voiced their frustration, claiming that taxpayers are ultimately paying the price for poor planning and execution.
While the project aims to improve connectivity, public opinion remains divided. As the dust settles, only time will determine whether this ambitious project will deliver on its promises or become yet another infrastructural blunder.
