The authorities need to realise that traffic lights exist for a reason. Switching them off and relying on manual management is not a solution. It only creates more frustration and increases the risk of accidents – A Resident
The Six Mile junction, located under a busy flyover, has become notorious for frequent traffic snarls
Guwahati’s traffic management woes persist as the Six Mile and Borbari junctions remain hotspots for congestion and accidents, posing significant risks to pedestrians and motorists alike. Despite the presence of traffic lights and functioning infrastructure, these junctions frequently descend into chaos due to poor traffic management and a lack of enforcement by the authorities.
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Both the Six Mile and Borbari junctions are key points in Guwahati’s traffic network, connecting major routes to the city. However, instead of streamlining vehicular and pedestrian movement, these junctions have become symbols of poor traffic regulation.
Although traffic lights are installed at both the junctions, they are often switched off, leaving the city’s traffic police to navigate vehicles manually. This irregular management system not only creates confusion, but also increases the risk of accidents, especially during peak hours.
A senior official from the city’s Traffic department admitted that the manual operation of traffic lights is intentional. “The frequency of vehicles passing through the junctions does not match the timers set on the traffic lights. Hence, manual navigation is required. At times when there is low traffic movement, we switch the lights on. It depends on a need-to basis,” the official explained.
The lack of consistent enforcement and mismanagement has left pedestrians particularly vulnerable. Crossing these junctions has become an everyday hazard, with vehicles approaching from multiple directions simultaneously. For commuters, navigating these junctions often translates to long delays and heightened risks of collisions.
“The traffic lights at Six Mile and Borbari remain switched off for most of the day, leading to utter chaos. Pedestrians and motorists are left to cross at their own peril,” said Rupak Baruah, a resident of Bormotoria.
The Six Mile junction, located under a busy flyover, has become notorious for frequent traffic snarls. Similarly, the Borbari junction sees vehicles from multiple roads converging haphazardly, leading to confusion and lengthy delays.
Adding to the issue is the inconsistent presence of traffic officials at these junctions. During major traffic jams, commuters often find themselves stranded with no personnel available to manage the situation. This absence of enforcement further compounds the problem, with vehicles and pedestrians crossing indiscriminately.
Another resident shared a recent experience near the Six Mile junction. “The traffic lights were off, and no officials were present. Vehicles and pedestrians were crossing from all sides, leading to a jam that lasted nearly an hour."
Such incidents are not isolated. Both the junctions have been repeatedly flagged by residents and commuters as problem areas, yet little has been done to improve the situation.
Residents living near these junctions have expressed frustration with the authorities’ failure to address these long-standing issues. The lack of accountability has left many questioning the efficacy of Guwahati’s traffic management system.
“The authorities need to realise that traffic lights exist for a reason. Switching them off and relying on manual management is not a solution. It only creates more frustration and increases the risk of accidents,” said another resident, requesting anonymity.
Others have pointed out that the growing volume of vehicles in Guwahati necessitates a more systematic approach to traffic regulation. “Traffic in Guwahati has increased significantly in recent years, but the management system has not kept up. The authorities need to implement smarter solutions, such as adaptive traffic signals or designated pedestrian crossings, to improve the situation,” said a commuter.
Experts and locals suggest that the problems at Six Mile and Borbari junctions reflect a broader issue with traffic management in Guwahati. The city’s infrastructure, while functional on paper, often fails to deliver due to inconsistent enforcement and poor planning.
To address these challenges, traffic authorities must prioritise the following:
Adaptive Traffic Lights: Installing advanced traffic signals that can adjust to real-time vehicle flow could help reduce congestion.
Dedicated Pedestrian Zones: Marked pedestrian crossings and proper enforcement of pedestrian rights can improve safety for those on foot.
Regular Police Deployment: Ensuring a consistent police presence during peak hours can help manage traffic more effectively.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating motorists and pedestrians about traffic rules and safe practices is crucial for reducing risks.
The persistent problems at Six Mile and Borbari junctions are a glaring reminder of the urgent need for traffic reforms in Guwahati. As the city continues to expand, its traffic management system must evolve to accommodate the growing demands of its residents.
Until then, the daily commute for thousands of Guwahatians will remain a frustrating and dangerous experience, with pedestrians and motorists forced to navigate the chaos at their own risk.