The absence of a coordinated approach between traffic police and the GMC has only compounded the problem
The Machkhowa area behind the Pragjyoti ITA Centre for Performing Arts has turned into a daily nightmare for residents and commuters alike. What was once a bustling commercial hub has descended into chaos, with congestion, illegal parking, and obstructions becoming the norm. Despite its strategic importance as a connection point to major roads, the area remains plagued by inefficiencies and lack of enforcement, leaving the public frustrated and helpless.
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Machkhowa is crisscrossed by several vital roads, including Kedar Road, Hem Baruah Road (also known as Jail Road), TR Phookan Road, and Fayaz Ahmed Road. These routes connect to the main MG Road, serving as lifelines for both local residents and those commuting to the heart of the city. However, these roads are frequently blocked by vegetable vendors and e-rickshaws, causing severe disruptions to traffic flow.
Residents complain that the daily gridlocks in the area not only waste time but also hinder connectivity for those who need to travel through the area for work or personal commitments.
“It’s a mess every single day,” said a resident of the area on condition of anonymity. “You either have to leave much earlier to avoid the congestion or risk being late. No matter what you do, the chaos here has no solution in sight.”
Adding to the misery is the illegal parking of trucks in the Gela Patti area. Despite the presence of a designated parking lot in Lachit Ghat, trucks continue to park along the busy streets, obstructing traffic and exacerbating congestion.
Speaking to GPlus, a senior traffic official admitted the gravity of the situation. “The area has been jammed since the very beginning. Even if we force them away, they eventually return,” he said.
The official further explained that trucks are given leeway due to their role in loading and unloading goods in the area. “Continuous loading and unloading gives them the upper hand, and not much can be enforced in such cases,” he added.
Much of the congestion in Machkhowa can be attributed to the presence of vegetable vendors who set up shop on the roadsides, reducing the available space for vehicles to pass. E-rickshaws, which have become a popular mode of transport in Guwahati, also contribute to the problem as they frequently stop in the middle of the road to pick up or drop off passengers.
A senior traffic official blamed public behaviour for magnifying the issue. “It is the public who give them the opportunity to ride their e-rickshaws, as they prefer to walk less these days,” he said.
The lack of decisive action by authorities has left residents feeling abandoned. A source from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) told GPlus that no instructions have been issued to evict the vendors from the area. “The area is the hub of commerce. As of now, no proper instructions have been forwarded to evict the vendors,” the source said.
The absence of a coordinated approach between traffic police and the GMC has only compounded the problem. While traffic officials attempt to manage the flow of vehicles, the GMC’s inaction on removing vendors and enforcing parking regulations has allowed the chaos to persist. However, in some cases there is an absence of responsibility from both departments.
Another factor which has made matters worse is the new route after the completion of the elevated corridor which will eventually connect Guwahati-North Guwahati. Apart from that the ongoing construction in Bharalumukh further disrupts the commute on the main road.
Frustrated residents are demanding immediate action from the authorities to address the worsening situation in Machkhowa. Some have suggested stricter enforcement of parking rules and the relocation of vendors to designated markets. Others believe that traffic police need to maintain a constant presence in the area to deter e-rickshaw drivers and vendors from blocking the roads.
“The GMC and traffic police need to work together,” said a local shopkeeper. “Unless they take coordinated action, this problem will never be solved.”
Machkhowa’s role as a commercial hub has often been cited as a reason for the authorities’ reluctance to take strict action. The area serves as a vital point for the trade of vegetables, goods, and other commodities, attracting a steady stream of vendors, trucks, and customers.
However, residents argue that commerce cannot come at the cost of public convenience and safety. The lack of clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms has turned the area into a free-for-all, with little regard for traffic rules or public welfare.
Managing traffic in a bustling area like Machkhowa is no easy task, especially with limited manpower and resources. Traffic officials often find themselves stretched thin, unable to address every issue in the city simultaneously.
“Even if we force them away, they eventually return,” said a traffic official. “We are trying our best, but the lack of manpower and resources makes it difficult to manage such a busy area effectively.”
Officials have also highlighted the challenges posed by the sheer volume of vehicles passing through Machkhowa daily. The increasing number of private vehicles, coupled with the unregulated operation of e-rickshaws, has added to the burden on the traffic police.
Addressing the traffic chaos in Machkhowa will require a multi-pronged approach involving all stakeholders. Experts suggest the following.
1. Relocation of Vendors: The GMC must take decisive action to relocate vegetable vendors to designated market areas. This would free up the roads and reduce congestion.
2. Dedicated Truck Parking: Trucks should be strictly prohibited from parking in the Gela Patti area, and enforcement should be increased to ensure they use the Lachit Ghat parking lot.
3. Regulation of E-Rickshaws: E-rickshaws should be regulated to prevent them from stopping in the middle of the road. Dedicated pick-up and drop-off points could help streamline their operations.
4. Increased Traffic Personnel: Deploying more traffic personnel in the area, particularly during peak hours, would help manage the flow of vehicles more effectively.
5. Coordination Between Authorities: The GMC and traffic police must work together to implement a comprehensive plan for managing the area.
The chaos in Machkhowa is a reflection of larger issues plaguing Guwahati’s urban planning and traffic management. While the area’s commercial importance cannot be ignored, it is imperative for the authorities to strike a balance between commerce and public convenience.
Unless immediate action is taken to address the root causes of congestion, the frustration of residents and commuters will continue to grow. The onus is now on the GMC and traffic police to step up and bring order to Machkhowa’s streets, ensuring that it remains both a thriving commercial hub and a liveable part of the city.
