After the recent downpours, motorists and bikers are at risk as Guwahati’s roads resemble the lunar surface
ALSO READ: Guwahati’s MLA Hostel Drainage System Blamed For Waterlogging at Dispur, Wireless
Guwahati, a city striving towards modern infrastructure, now resembles a lunar landscape, thanks to the shoddy and incomplete restoration works carried out by key departments. The infamous GS Road, along with several other routes, has transformed into an obstacle course for motorists, with roads pockmarked by craters and uneven surfaces, endangering public safety.
The Public Works Department (PWD), Guwahati Jal Board (GJB), and Purba Bharati Gas Private Limited (PBGPL) are all at the centre of this debacle. While the PWD had undertaken extensive road reconstruction works, the continuous and poorly-coordinated projects by GJB and PBGPL have left these roads in shambles, with no proper restoration in sight. The crux of the problem lies not just in the immediate road conditions but also in the systemic failures of the authorities involved.
One of the most alarming consequences of this administrative negligence is the corrosion of bitumen layers on most roads due to the lack of a proper drainage system. This failure has left the roads vulnerable to waterlogging, flash floods, and persistent rainfall, which has corroded the road surfaces, creating treacherous driving conditions.
Recent heavy downpours have wreaked havoc on the city’s infrastructure. Motorists and bikers, already accustomed to dodging potholes and negotiating uneven roads, now face an even more dangerous reality. The torrential rains have exposed the sorry state of the city’s roads, with several instances of people stumbling or falling, particularly in low-lying areas like Rukminigaon, where the problem is particularly acute.
The tragic death of a minor near Ganeshguri, as reported in media, is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of incomplete restoration work. The child, travelling with his parents on a bike, was fatally injured after their vehicle skidded on an uneven patch of road left unattended by GJB. Despite widespread outrage following the incident, no significant efforts have been made to rectify the situation.
Local residents are equally frustrated with the poor road conditions, with many questioning the competence of the authorities. One commuter remarked, “It feels like the city is a construction zone that never ends. Every time they dig up the roads, they leave them worse off than before.”
The anger among Guwahati’s citizens is palpable, as poor road conditions continue to cause accidents, damage vehicles, and pollute the air. Many are now suffering from respiratory issues due to the excessive dust that blankets the roads. One exasperated resident stated, "We can’t even drive with our windows down without being hit by a cloud of dust. My car’s suspension has suffered multiple damages due to these crater-filled roads."
Another commuter voiced his concern anonymously, citing the hazardous conditions at night. “The streets are dark, there are no functional street lights, and you can’t see the potholes until it’s too late. It’s no surprise that so many accidents happen here after sunset,” they said.
For bikers, the situation is even worse. “Every day, I fear that I will meet with an accident because of these roads. It’s become impossible to drive safely, and no one seems to care about the consequences,” another frustrated commuter said.
Vehicle damage is now a routine part of life for many in Guwahati. The uneven roads and recurring potholes have led to a spike in repair costs, with one motorist sharing, “I’ve had to replace my car’s tyres twice in the last six months. I don’t know if my vehicle or my wallet will survive these roads.”
The problem isn’t confined to just the roads. Guwahati’s flyovers, meant to alleviate traffic congestion, have also become victims of neglect. In several media reports, citizens have expressed their concern over the deteriorating state of these structures. A notable instance occurred on the AT road flyover, where sections of the road were found to be cracked and uneven, posing a significant risk to commuters. Despite promises by the authorities to address these issues, little has been done, and the flyovers remain a potential hazard.
Adding to the frustration is the apparent dysfunctionality of the street lights across the city. The lack of illumination has turned nighttime commuting into a dangerous endeavour, with motorists struggling to navigate the city’s cratered roads under the cover of darkness. Media reports have repeatedly highlighted this issue, but it seems the authorities remain unresponsive.
As the festive season approaches, the authorities appear more focused on damage control than on addressing the root causes of the problem. Speaking to GPlus, a PWD official commented, “We have been instructed to restore the roads before Durga Puja. Primarily, the routes near flyover construction areas will be mended soon.” This statement reflects the reactive nature of the administration’s approach—prioritising temporary fixes before festivities rather than ensuring long-term solutions.
Moreover, the continuous blame game between departments is an ongoing farce. When complaints surface, the PWD points fingers at GJB for digging up newly-laid roads, while GJB shifts the blame to PBGPL for pipeline projects that disrupt road restoration. Meanwhile, the public is left to deal with the consequences of these bureaucratic battles, with no respite in sight.
What was once a simple task of maintaining the city’s roads has turned into a prolonged ordeal for Guwahati’s citizens. The persistent neglect by the authorities, combined with their inability to coordinate essential projects, has left the city’s infrastructure in a dire state. As the rainy season continues and Durga Puja approaches, it remains to be seen whether the promised restoration works will actually materialise or if the authorities will once again fail the people they are meant to serve.
For the citizens of Guwahati, this is no longer just about poor road conditions. It is about a larger issue of administrative failure and indifference that continues to put lives at risk. As one commuter aptly put it, “We are forced to navigate these moon-like roads every day. When will the authorities realise that our lives are worth more than their blame games?”
