GUWAHATI: Guwahati has been grappling with increasing traffic congestion, particularly during evening rush hours. Commuters have reported multiple times that even a one-kilometre stretch now takes more than 10 minutes to traverse.
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One of the major hotspots for this traffic bottleneck is MG Road, particularly between the Fancy Bazar bus stop and SRCB Road. The main culprit? Unauthorised and extended stoppages by city buses.
Unlike most areas in Guwahati, which have a single bus stop, Fancy Bazar faces the issue of buses halting at three different points—near the official bus stop at Phool Gali, SS Road, and SRCB Road—to pick up passengers. These unsanctioned stops lead to a significant slowdown in traffic, causing immense frustration among other drivers, whose honks are often ignored.
Speaking to GPlus, a regular commuter from Maligaon expressed his irritation: "I use this route daily, and there's always congestion on this small stretch because of the buses. Once you pass the Fancy Bazar Police Outpost, the road clears up until Machknowa."
He added, "It’s particularly frustrating because this situation is avoidable, unlike traffic at Chandmari and other areas where construction is the cause. I hope the traffic police enforce stricter rules; otherwise, these buses will continue flouting regulations and inconveniencing everyone."
Another commuter shared a similar sentiment: "I understand that it’s convenient for passengers to be picked up right in front of the market, but for the rest of us, these long, unnecessary stops are a huge hassle."
While traffic police are present at these makeshift bus stops, their presence seems to have little impact on the buses, which continue to take their time moving on.
A traffic official from the Panbazar Police Station said, "Often the buses stop at SS Road and SRCB Road as many passengers get down there and we are unable to tell people to not exit the buses. However, our officers do attempt to drive away the buses whenever possible. We also issue challans on the offending buses."
With traffic congestion in Guwahati worsening due to the rise in vehicles and ongoing construction activities, it remains to be seen whether authorities will take the necessary steps to streamline traffic management—or if the city is on its way to becoming the next Bengaluru.
