Passengers are stuffed into vehicles like goods, with little regard for comfort or safety
In Guwahati, passenger vehicles flagrantly violate the maximum capacity norms set by the Transport Department. This dangerous practice has become so widespread that the city’s commuters are now accustomed to being crammed into vehicles well beyond their legal limit. The situation not only leads to discomfort but also poses serious safety risks, raising concerns about the lack of strict enforcement from the authorities.
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Across the city, shared three and four-wheelers routinely overload passengers, turning public transport into a chaotic experience. For the average commuter, a short journey turns into an ordeal, as people are stuffed into vehicles like goods, with little regard for comfort or safety. Despite clear regulations limiting the number of passengers, it appears that these rules exist only on paper, with drivers feeling emboldened by the lack of consistent action from the authorities.
An anonymous daily commuter expressed his frustration, stating, “It feels like we’re cattle being herded into these vehicles. There’s no space to sit or even stand properly, and on top of that, the condition of the vehicles is terrible. The authorities just don’t seem to care.”
What’s more disturbing is the apparent failure of both the traffic police and the District Transport Office (DTO) to penalise these violations effectively. In theory, overloading and the poor condition of vehicles should result in fines or even the suspension of driving licences. Yet, in reality, very few offenders are caught or punished, allowing the problem to persist unchecked.
A frustrated resident of Dispur, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, “You see these vehicles every day, packed to the brim, often with passengers hanging off the side. But there’s never any action. The traffic police are standing right there, yet nothing happens. It’s as if the rules don’t apply.”
Speaking to GPlus, an official from the Transport Department attempted to defend the department’s efforts, saying, “There are a few instances as such, but it is not possible for us to conduct inspections every day. Strict actions are taken against those who are caught and are at fault. The traffic police should also keep an eye for such violations.”
However, this statement offers little comfort to the public. The lack of daily inspections combined with the weak coordination between the Transport Department and traffic police has allowed overloading to become the norm rather than the exception. Instead of curbing the issue, both agencies seem to be engaged in passing the buck, leaving the public to suffer the consequences.
Equally concerning is the deplorable condition of many of these overloaded vehicles. Proper maintenance, a crucial element of road safety, is blatantly ignored by many drivers. Vehicles with broken or dysfunctional tail lights, black smoke-emitting exhausts, and malfunctioning indicators are a common sight on Guwahati’s roads. These defects not only make driving hazardous but also add to the city’s rising pollution levels.
“Most of the vehicles I’ve seen don’t even have proper brake lights or indicators,” noted a commuter from Beltola. “It’s terrifying when you’re on the road, and the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops or turns without warning. And the black smoke—some of these vehicles are like moving chimneys.”
The Transport Department’s responsibility to ensure regular vehicle inspections appears to be sorely neglected, further compounding the risks posed by overloading. Despite visible violations of maintenance standards, little is done to address the issue, allowing unfit vehicles to remain on the road.
One local mechanic, who works in the Rehabari area and requested anonymity, commented on the poor condition of public vehicles. “Most of these passenger vehicles come to me only when something breaks down completely. Routine maintenance is just not a priority for many drivers because they don’t want to spend the money. And since there’s no strict checking, they get away with it.”
The situation demands immediate and coordinated action from all responsible authorities, including the traffic police and the Transport Department. Public transport is the backbone of Guwahati’s commuting system, relied upon by thousands of people every day. Without strict enforcement of capacity norms and proper maintenance standards, the current state of affairs is likely to worsen, leading to more accidents, increased pollution, and an overall decline in the quality of life for the city’s residents.
While the Transport Department claims that actions are being taken against violators, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. Daily commuters see no visible change, and the unchecked violations continue unabated. What is needed is a comprehensive approach to enforcement—regular inspections, stricter penalties, and most importantly, a willingness to take action on a daily basis.
One frustrated commuter summed up the general feeling in the city: “We’ve been dealing with this for years now. If the authorities cared enough to do something, they would have already. Until they decide to take this seriously, nothing’s going to change.”
The public’s dissatisfaction with the current state of Guwahati’s public transport system is evident. With the authorities failing to address both the overloading of vehicles and their deteriorating conditions, the people of Guwahati are left to fend for themselves in an increasingly dangerous environment.
Residents from various parts of the city have voiced their concerns, but with little effect. Anonymous quotes from disgruntled citizens point to a deep-rooted frustration with the system’s failure to provide safe and reliable public transport.
“The government always talks about improving infrastructure and making life better for the common man, but look at the state of our public transport,” remarked a local shop owner in the Panbazar area. “It’s a joke. They care more about building new flyovers than ensuring that people can travel safely in the city.”
The ongoing violations of passenger vehicle capacity norms, coupled with the deteriorating condition of these vehicles, paint a bleak picture of Guwahati’s public transport system. Unless immediate steps are taken to enforce the law, the situation is likely to continue its downward spiral. For the thousands of commuters who rely on public transport every day, there seems to be little hope that the authorities will prioritise their safety and comfort anytime soon.
It’s time for the relevant authorities to step up, take responsibility, and restore some semblance of order to Guwahati’s public transport system. Until then, the city’s commuters will remain at the mercy of reckless drivers and indifferent enforcement agencies.
