Ganeshguri’s road network is notorious for congestion, but the real culprits include illegal vendors, unauthorised parking, and the apparent lack of enforcement from local authorities
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The stretch of road from Gopal Boro Government Higher Secondary School to Ganesh Mandir in Ganeshguri is a daily nightmare for commuters, riddled with potholes, mismanagement, and absolute chaos. A place meant to connect key areas has instead become a prime example of urban failure, where lack of coordination between government bodies, encroachments, and traffic violations have transformed a simple commute into an ordeal.
While authorities engage in their usual blame game, residents and students risk their lives navigating crumbling roads, unauthorised parking, waterlogging, and dangerous traffic diversions. The Public Works Department (PWD), Guwahati Jal Board (GJB), and Dispur police station—all responsible for different aspects of this stretch—seem equally ineffective in maintaining order.
Speaking to GPlus, a PWD official admitted that road conditions remain abysmal due to GJB’s ongoing water supply project. “There is a leakage due to which we are unable to mend the road,” the official stated. However, when contacted, a GJB official denied any knowledge of such an issue, stating, “We are unaware of any such situation. We will discuss it further.”
This blatant contradiction between the two departments shows just how disconnected these agencies are, with no one willing to take responsibility. Meanwhile, residents suffer daily, and accidents continue to occur.
Ganeshguri’s road network is notorious for congestion, but the real culprits include illegal vendors, unauthorised parking, and the apparent lack of enforcement from local authorities.
- Street vendors have occupied sidewalks and even parts of the road, forcing pedestrians onto the streets.
- GMC’s occasional enforcement drives have failed to clear the space permanently, as vendors return within days.
- Dispur police station officials themselves park vehicles illegally, setting a questionable precedent.
Residents claim that footpaths are virtually non-existent due to makeshift stalls, leading to pedestrians risking their lives amid unruly traffic. “Every day, we see cars and bikes swerving dangerously because people are forced to walk on the road,” said a shopkeeper in the area.
The chaotic situation near Gopal Boro Government Higher Secondary School is especially concerning. Students attending the school must navigate through pothole-ridden roads, avoid street vendors, and deal with the constant movement of parked and moving vehicles.
A teacher from the school, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration: “The school authorities have raised concerns multiple times, but there is no action. It is terrifying to see children walking between speeding vehicles just to reach school.”
The road leading to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH)is another disaster zone.
- Magic (public carrier) vehicles routinely block the road, leading to traffic snarls.
- Drain construction work has further worsened the situation, with construction debris adding to the already dangerous road conditions.
- Waterlogging is frequent, making commuting a near-impossible task during the monsoons.
Local residents state that there is no regulation on where public transport vehicles stop, leading to unplanned congestion. “Magic drivers stop anywhere they want, causing jams. The police don’t do anything,” complained a daily commuter.
Despite Dispur police station being located right on this stretch, there is zero effective enforcement.
- Traffic regulations are ignored with impunity.
- Illegal parking flourishes under police jurisdiction.
- Temporary traffic poles, meant to create lanes, were recently tied with bamboo straps—a desperate measure that the public quickly vandalised to create shortcuts.
Residents find it ironic that despite the presence of a police station, no real policing takes place. “It is a joke. The police station is right here, but this road has no order whatsoever,” said a frustrated commuter.
Adding to the disorder, the road outside Dispur police station serves as a dumping ground for seized and accident-hit vehicles.
- Despite previous clearance drives, old, rusting vehicles have once again taken over public space.
- Some vehicles have been abandoned for years, turning the area into a permanent junkyard.
- The encroachment of road space by these vehicles further adds to the congestion.
Residents demand that the police relocate these vehicles permanently instead of conducting token clearances that offer no long-term solution.
In another incident, a child lost his life due to the poor road conditions in Ganeshguri, with GJB contractors being blamed.
- GPlus had previously reported how potholes and open drains were the direct cause of the fatal accident.
- Residents had warned about the risks multiple times, but authorities did not take timely action.
- Despite the outcry, the overall situation remains unchanged, with more lives at risk every day.
A resident, recalling the incident said, “Nothing will change unless there is another tragedy. It is sad that we have to wait for another accident to get basic road maintenance.”
The Bigger Picture: Why Ganeshguri’s Issues Are a Reflection of Guwahati’s Urban Planning Failure
Ganeshguri is just one example of Guwahati’s urban mismanagement. Similar issues plague other key areas:
- Chandmari’s chaotic intersections suffer from poor traffic planning and broken dividers.
- Zoo Road Tiniali sees frequent vendor encroachments, much like Ganeshguri.
- Beltola and Six Mile struggle with unregulated public transport stops, creating daily congestion.
Experts argue that these problems stem from a lack of coordinated urban planning, poor enforcement of traffic laws, and negligence by municipal bodies.
A retired urban planner commented, “Guwahati is expanding rapidly, but its infrastructure remains stagnant. Agencies do not communicate, and as a result, residents suffer while authorities pass the blame.”
Fixing Ganeshguri’s never-ending chaos requires:
1. Proper road restoration – Authorities must stop the blame game and repair the road immediately.
2. Enforcement of traffic rules – Police must act against illegal parking and regulate public transport stops.
3. Relocation of street vendors – A permanent solution for vendors must be implemented.
4. Drainage improvements – Ongoing construction should be completed on time to prevent long-term disruption.
5. Removal of abandoned vehicles – The police must clear seized vehicles permanently.
Until then, Ganeshguri’s road will remain a perfect example of everything wrong with urban planning in Guwahati—a place where governance ends and chaos takes over.
