The government’s approach to these projects has been widely criticised as haphazard and short-sighted
Guwahati’s ambitious flyover construction spree has plunged the city into chaos, with promises of modernisation overshadowed by poor planning, ecological destruction, and severe disruptions to daily life. Far from being symbols of progress, these projects are increasingly being viewed as hastily executed stunts that prioritise political optics over meaningful urban development.
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Residents navigating the construction zones are bearing the brunt of this so-called development. Roads are choked with traffic, dust and debris are everywhere, and safety measures are visibly absent. In Ambari, steel rods from the under-construction Noonmati-Dighalipukhuri flyover jut precariously onto the streets, posing serious risks to commuters. “The construction pace is hurried, but the execution is reckless. It’s a miracle that no accidents have occurred yet,” said a daily commuter.
Environmental concerns have also been tossed aside. The Downtown Hospital-Rukminigaon flyover on GS Road has led to the felling of nearly 180 mature trees, a move that has ignited widespread outrage. Despite assurances of compensatory afforestation, residents and environmentalists are sceptical. “This is not development; it’s destruction,” remarked an environmental activist. “Replacing mature trees with saplings is laughable and shows a lack of foresight.”
Moreover, residents are struggling with unresolved issues magnified by the construction. Waterlogging, which plagues Guwahati during every monsoon, remains unaddressed even as the city pours crores of rupees into these projects. A shop owner near Downtown Hospital said, “The flyover might reduce traffic, but what about the flooding? They are ignoring the root problem.”
The government’s approach to these projects has been widely criticised as haphazard and short-sighted. While officials claim that these flyovers will ease traffic congestion and boost mobility, the ground reality is a major contrast. Citizens complain of prolonged traffic jams, increased vehicle damage due to debris, and a complete disregard for pedestrian safety. Garage owners near Bamunimaidan have reported a surge in vehicle repairs. “We receive 6-8 cars daily with issues caused by construction debris. It’s becoming a routine problem,” said one owner.
The largest of the ongoing projects is the Noonmati-Dighalipukhuri flyover. Launched on January 1, 2024 with a budget of ₹852.68 crore, this 5-kilometre stretch promises to decongest traffic between Noonmati and Dighalipukhuri. However, the project, slated for partial completion by Bohag Bihu 2025, is already marred by safety hazards and shoddy execution. Commuters, particularly those using the Ambari section, have expressed grave concerns over the unsafe construction practices.
The Downtown Hospital-Rukminigaon flyover, initiated in August 2024, is another glaring example of the authorities’ disregard for ecological and urban balance. With a budget of ₹74.92 crore, this four-lane flyover aims to address traffic congestion along GS Road. However, the environmental cost has been devastating. The felling of nearly 180 trees has drawn sharp criticism, with activists arguing that the compensatory measures are grossly inadequate.
Residents in areas like Rukminigaon have also questioned the project’s long-term benefits, given the city’s persistent waterlogging issues. A local resident highlighted the authorities’ misplaced priorities: “The government focuses on flashy projects while basic issues like drainage remain neglected.”
The Lal Ganesh-Cycle Factory flyover on Garbhanga Road, one of the costliest projects undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD), has also sparked scepticism. Budgeted at Rs. 376 crore and expected to take three years to complete, the project aims to ease congestion near Barshapara Stadium. However, given PWD’s track record of delays and cost overruns, residents are not optimistic. “PWD has a habit of overpromising and under-delivering. Let’s see if this one breaks the pattern,” said a local resident.
Meanwhile, the Bharalumukh Road Over Bridge (ROB), launched in September 2024 with a budget of ₹99 crore, faces logistical challenges due to limited space and inadequate traffic management plans. This 790-metre-long bridge, aimed at addressing congestion caused by the railway crossing, is already drawing criticism for its poor execution.
Adding to the residents’ woes is the deteriorating condition of existing infrastructure. The Six Mile flyover, once a symbol of efficient urban mobility, now lies in shambles. Cracks, potholes, and general neglect have rendered it nearly unusable. “This is what happens when projects are rushed for political gains. The Six Mile flyover was supposed to last decades, but it’s already broken,” said a city planner.
The government’s focus on new projects while ignoring the maintenance of existing ones has drawn sharp rebukes from citizens. “The authorities are obsessed with inaugurating new projects. They forget that maintaining what we already have is equally important,” said a commuter.
Despite repeated assurances from PWD officials, public trust in the government’s ability to deliver sustainable infrastructure is at an all-time low. “Every construction site is different, and we ensure sufficient space for commuters wherever possible. Public safety is our priority,” claimed a senior PWD official. However, residents remain unconvinced, citing the daily challenges they face navigating the city’s construction zones.
Environmental degradation has been another major point of contention. The large-scale tree-cutting for flyover projects has disrupted Guwahati’s ecological balance, with activists warning of long-term consequences. “Urbanisation should not come at the cost of ecological balance. Cutting down decades-old trees for flyovers is short-sighted and harmful,” said a local activist.
The disruptive nature of these projects has also taken a toll on businesses. Shop owners near construction sites report declining foot traffic and increased expenses due to damage caused by debris and waterlogging. “Business is down by 30%. Customers avoid this area because of the chaos,” said a shop owner near Ambari.
As Guwahati struggles to cope with the chaos of ongoing construction, residents are left questioning whether these projects will deliver the promised benefits. For now, the city’s flyover frenzy seems more like a lesson in how not to plan urban development. While the government may celebrate these projects as milestones, for the citizens of Guwahati, they are reminders of administrative failure and misplaced priorities.
Only time will reveal whether these flyovers will stand as symbols of progress or monuments to political vanity. Until then, the residents of Guwahati will continue to endure the cost of development that feels more like disruption.
