GUWAHATI: Months after a grand foundation-laying ceremony for the construction of a mere 200-metre stretch of road in Udaynagar 2 No. Path, Fatasil Ambari Tiniali, near Rongpathar field, not a single day of work has been carried out. The project, which was inaugurated with much fanfare by Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania on March 2, 2023, has since turned into a case of false promises and public frustration.
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Despite the importance of the road for local residents, the project has remained at a standstill, raising concerns over the Guwahati Municipal Corporation’s (GMC) commitment to delivering basic infrastructure. Several months have passed, and no visible progress has been made, much to the dismay of those living in the area who depend on the road for daily commutes.
The road project, hailed as a key development initiative in the run-up to the last election, was expected to begin shortly after the foundation stone was laid. However, since the ceremonial event, which featured local dignitaries and speeches about improved connectivity, the site has remained untouched.
“The lack of action is unbelievable,” said Prasanta Paul, a resident . “We were promised that the work would start immediately, but nothing has been done. It feels like we’ve been completely forgotten.”
Many residents are now questioning the sincerity of the authorities’ commitment, especially since the project appeared to be launched for electoral mileage rather than genuine concern for the public.
When contacted, Mayor Mrigen Sarania attributed the delay to the monsoon season, claiming that the weather conditions were not conducive to road construction.
“The funds have been credited to the bank account,” Sarania told GPlus. “The work was delayed due to the monsoon season. However, post-Diwali, the road will be completed.”
While this explanation might hold some merit, locals remain sceptical, pointing out that there have been many dry weeks since the monsoon ended, during which no progress was made. Residents fear that the project might continue to drag on with further excuses, leaving them with an incomplete road.
The project’s failure from its inception is emblematic of the broader issues that plague local infrastructure development. Similar roadworks across Guwahati have faced delays, often due to administrative inefficiency, misallocation of funds, and a lack of accountability from those in power.
In the case of Udaynagar 2 No. Path, residents can only hope that the authorities will make good on their commitments, though scepticism remains high.
For now, the unfinished road stands as a stark reminder of broken promises and the challenges of trusting election-time assurances.
As residents wait for post-Diwali action, the question remains: will the authorities finally deliver, or will Udaynagar’s road continue to be a symbol of neglect and political theatre? Only time will tell.