GUWAHATI: Lane splitting by two-wheelers has become a common yet contentious issue on Guwahati’s busy roads, raising questions about road safety, traffic discipline, and enforcement. The practice, where motorcyclists weave between lanes of slow-moving or stationary vehicles, is both a convenience for riders and a source of frustration for other road users.
Two-wheeler riders in Guwahati cite heavy traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure as primary reasons for lane splitting, often making it the only way to navigate through the city’s clogged roads, especially during peak hours.
ALSO READ: Are GMC’s Water Sprinkler Vehicles Effective To Combat Air Pollution In Guwahati?
The city’s narrow roads and limited parking spaces add to the problem. With vehicles jostling for space, motorcyclists often resort to lane splitting to save time and fuel. This also poses problems for the incoming traffic, at times hindering their movement and slowing down the traffic in the opposite end too. Sudden lane changes by larger vehicles, unpredictable pedestrian crossings, and uneven road surfaces also increase the likelihood of accidents.
Opinions among Guwahati residents are divided. Some believe lane splitting is a necessity given the city’s traffic woes, while others view it as reckless and disruptive.
Talking to GPlus, Ankita Roy, a teacher from a school in Hatigaon said, “It’s dangerous, especially for new drivers like me. Two-wheelers appear out of nowhere, and it’s hard to avoid them.”
On the other hand, while speaking to GPlus, college student Kongkon Kalita argued, “If traffic moved smoothly, we wouldn’t need to lane split. The real issue is poor road planning and endless traffic jams.”
“Enforcing rules against lane splitting is challenging due to the sheer volume of two-wheelers and the lack of specific guidelines. We have to consider many factors such as infrastructure, ITMS, riders’ awareness and much more. So, this is always a challenge that is a work in progress,” said a senior traffic official in Guwahati.
As Guwahati continues to grow, balancing the needs of all road users will be crucial. While lane splitting might seem like a practical solution for two-wheeler riders in the short term, addressing the root causes of traffic congestion and improving road discipline is essential for long-term safety and efficiency.
