For Guwahati’s road users—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike—the current situation offers little hope of immediate relief
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The traffic situation in Guwahati has become increasingly chaotic, with gaps in road safety infrastructure adding to the city's vehicular woes. The lack of clear speed limit signage across the city and outdated or missing road markers on key routes has left drivers in confusion and pedestrians at risk. Even as authorities promote road safety and encourage compliance, actual measures and visibility on the ground seem strikingly absent.
For residents of Assam’s capital, this lack of basic infrastructure is causing frustration and raising concerns about road safety. Speed limits, while technically enforced, are not consistently displayed, and in areas where limits are marked, the signage is either obscured or placed in locations where it’s difficult for drivers to see.
Despite these gaps, the District Transport Office (DTO) claims to maintain strict enforcement policies. A senior official from the DTO told GPlus, “Speed limits are enforced. We are strict against those who drive above 100 kmph.” However, in practice, enforcement appears selective, and the prioritisation of speed limits often seems superficial, especially since instructions have been issued from the state government to reduce public penalties where possible. As a result, minor infractions are often overlooked, and consequences for routine violations are, at best, inconsistent.
The road infrastructure within Guwahati has become increasingly problematic. National Highway 27 (NH-27), a major corridor through the city, is a prime example of these shortcomings. Despite undergoing recent restoration, NH-27 is still devoid of essential signage such as exit and entry points, speed limits, and lane markers, leaving drivers to navigate with little information. Within the city limits, street signs are outdated, faded, or entirely missing. Residents are left to guess speed limits and other basic rules—a troubling scenario on roads shared by both slow-moving pedestrians and speeding vehicles.
These issues contribute to what many residents describe as a "broken traffic system," where disorganisation and lack of enforcement have become the norm. Traffic officials have acknowledged this gap but cite budgetary constraints and inter-departmental complexities as barriers to implementing solutions.
The lack of clear signage is not limited to speed limits. Parking violations remain rampant, creating bottlenecks on several main roads. Without clear guidance on where parking is allowed or restricted, drivers often resort to parking in unauthorised areas, leading to congestion and posing challenges for pedestrians. Despite being a long-standing issue, this matter has not seen substantial resolution.
The District Transport Office enforces parking rules sporadically, but the absence of a clearly defined strategy has hampered efforts. An official from the Traffic department remarked, “Usual parking offences have always been a pain,” highlighting the seemingly resigned approach toward tackling the problem.
In a bid to address Guwahati’s traffic safety issues, the government formed a Road Safety Committee, comprised of representatives from various departments, to devise a cohesive strategy. However, results remain limited as responsibilities overlap and departmental cooperation often lags. With the Public Works Department (PWD), the District Transport Office, and other agencies involved, the complexity of coordinating activities has delayed action on critical issues.
An official from the PWD admitted, “There are estimates which are yet to be sanctioned. Hence, the work is pending. Also, theft of public property is another major concern.” This statement reflects the resource limitations that the PWD faces, with projects frequently delayed due to pending financial approvals and the added risk of vandalism or theft of public property, including signage and barriers.
The lack of speed limit signage is further compounded by poorly maintained street lights and traffic signals. Dim or malfunctioning street lights create hazardous conditions at night, while defective traffic signals contribute to the city’s growing list of traffic problems. In many parts of Guwahati, street lights flicker or remain out of service for extended periods, forcing drivers and pedestrians alike to navigate in low visibility conditions. The problem is increased during Assam’s monsoon season, when rainfall makes the streets slippery and increases the risk of accidents.
Without clear signage or functioning signals, drivers often ignore recommended speeds, and chaos ensues at intersections. Traffic congestion has become a constant issue, not only during peak hours but throughout the day. Road safety advocates have been vocal about the need for more visible and effective signage, as well as for consistent enforcement of existing rules.
Authorities cite theft and vandalism as a significant factor in the absence of proper road infrastructure. Many public signs and safety barriers have reportedly been stolen, making it challenging to keep the city adequately marked. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and PWD face recurring expenses to replace damaged or stolen property, and while arrests are occasionally made, theft remains a widespread issue.
To prevent further loss, authorities have considered installing surveillance cameras in vulnerable locations. However, the implementation of this plan has been slow, and stolen public property continues to be a burden on the city’s finances.
One of the most glaring oversights in Guwahati’s current traffic management strategy is the neglect of pedestrian safety. Crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and pedestrian islands are notably absent on most busy roads. In the absence of these facilities, pedestrians are forced to jaywalk across dangerous streets or take long detours to reach a safe crossing point.
The Road Safety Committee has identified pedestrian safety as a priority, but progress has been sluggish. Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, including proper crossings and sidewalks, is sporadic and insufficient. Particularly in high-traffic areas like Dispur, Basistha, and Pan Bazar, the lack of designated crossing areas has led to accidents and injuries. While discussions are ongoing to address these issues, no concrete solutions have been introduced, and pedestrians continue to face hazardous conditions daily.
Though local authorities and government departments are aware of these problems, action has been inconsistent. Proposed improvements, such as better signage, updated traffic signals, and new parking regulations, remain largely on paper. Financial constraints, bureaucratic delays, and theft have combined to stall implementation.
Meanwhile, the city’s residents continue to navigate this erratic system, unsure of what the rules are or where they are supposed to go. The formation of committees and promises of reform are not enough to address the systemic challenges that have allowed Guwahati’s traffic to reach such a state. The people of Guwahati wait for the day when road safety will be prioritised in practice, not just in theory.
Many Guwahati residents have expressed frustration over the city's deteriorating road conditions. In conversations with GPlus, an anonymous resident shared, “It’s ridiculous how the authorities talk about enforcing speed limits when there isn’t even a clear sign to follow. It feels like they just want to tick boxes rather than actually solve the problem.”
Another citizen commented on the challenges for pedestrians, stating, “Walking in this city feels like a gamble. I’m never sure if I’ll find a safe place to cross, and with cars speeding around, it’s a constant risk.”
Yet, officials remain tight-lipped on the timeline for improvements. While authorities speak optimistically about their road safety committees and future plans, residents remain sceptical, especially as immediate action remains elusive.
The traffic and road infrastructure issues in Guwahati underscore a larger problem with governance and planning in the city. While safety committees and enforcement agencies talk about road safety measures, the reality on the streets tells a different story. For Guwahati’s road users—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike—the current situation offers little hope of immediate relief. Until the city takes concrete steps to update its road signage, implement traffic rules effectively, and protect its infrastructure, Guwahati’s traffic chaos is likely to persist, leaving both residents and visitors in a state of confusion and concern.