Only time will tell if these projects truly deliver on their promises or remain another chapter in the city’s ongoing struggles with urbanisation.
As Guwahati undergoes a massive transformation to address its chronic traffic woes, the Public Works Department (PWD) of Assam finds itself navigating a fine line between development and public dissatisfaction. From flyovers to road overbridges, the department has rolled out several ambitious projects to ease congestion in the city. However, delays, environmental costs, and insufficient planning have cast a shadow over these initiatives, leaving residents questioning the efficacy of such measures.
Here is a detailed account of the ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, their specifications, budgets, timelines, and the public sentiment surrounding them.
Noonmati to Dighalipukhuri Flyover
- Foundation Stone Laid: 1 January 2024
- Budget: ₹852.68 crore
- Completion Timeline: Partial completion by Bohag Bihu 2025 (Noonmati to Chandmari section); full completion by Bohag Bihu 2026
- Specifications:
- Length: 5 kilometres
- Features: Arm extensions towards GNB Road, Lamb Road, and Rajgarh Road
- Additional Infrastructure: Space underneath the flyover to be utilised for vehicle parking
- Purpose: Designed to decongest traffic between Noonmati and Dighalipukhuri for the next 25 years
Despite its promising design, the project has been fraught with challenges. Environmental protests near Dighalipukhuri pond forced alterations in the original plan. Although, it has chipped off a certain amount of additional work but residents of Chandmari have expressed frustration over persistent dust, traffic diversions, and noise pollution due to ongoing work.
“We’ve been enduring these inconveniences for months, there might be minimal progress but promises to open a section by Bohag Bihu feel overly optimistic,” said a Chandmari resident.
Downtown Hospital to Rukminigaon Flyover (GS Road)
- Construction Started: 20 August 2024
- Budget: ₹74.92 crore
- Completion Timeline: Estimated within 18 months
- Specifications:
- Length: 950 metres
- Type: Four-lane flyover
- Features: Located between Supermarket and Six Mile flyovers, with a 150-metre buffer on either side
- Environmental Impact: Approximately 180 trees felled, with a promise of compensatory afforestation
The Rukminigaon flyover aims to alleviate congestion in one of Guwahati's busiest areas. However, waterlogging during monsoons remains a pressing issue, with residents questioning the project’s prioritisation.
“The flyover may reduce traffic, but what about the water that accumulates every time it rains? They are ignoring the root problem,” said a shop owner near Downtown Hospital.
The large-scale tree cutting for this project has also sparked significant outrage. “Replacing decades-old trees with saplings is not a solution. This is cosmetic urbanisation at best,” stated a local environmental activist.
PWD officials have defended their actions, citing forest department permissions and their commitment to planting four times the number of trees felled. “For projects like these, some sacrifices are unavoidable. We assure compensatory afforestation to mitigate the impact,” said a PWD source.
Lal Ganesh to Cycle Factory Flyover (Garbhanga Road)
- Foundation Stone Laid: 15 July 2024
- Budget: ₹376 crore
- Completion Timeline: Estimated within three years
- Specifications:
- Length: 2.84 kilometres
- Width: 12 metres
- Purpose: Designed to ease traffic near Lal Ganesh and Cycle Factory, especially during peak hours and events at the Barshapara Stadium
This project, one of the costliest undertaken by the PWD, aims to alleviate congestion in Lal Ganesh. At its foundation-laying ceremony, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed confidence in its potential to streamline traffic flow during high-profile events like international cricket matches at the Barshapara Stadium.
Despite the promises, scepticism abounds among residents. “PWD has a habit of overpromising and underdelivering. We’ll believe it when we see it,” said a local from Lal Ganesh.
Bharalumukh Road Over Bridge (ROB)
- Construction Started: September 2024
- Budget: Rs. 99 crore (shared equally between Railways and the State Government)
- Completion Timeline: Estimated within 18 months
- Specifications:
- Length: 790 metres, with an additional 350-metre arm from Bharalumukh to Sonaram Field
- Type: Two-lane bridge
- Purpose: To address traffic congestion caused by the railway crossing at Bharalumukh
The ROB project at Bharalumukh has been widely welcomed by commuters frequently delayed by railway crossings. However, questions about timely completion linger and the troubles faced by the commuters.
“Every year, PWD launches big projects but rarely finishes them on time. Even when they do, there’s a lack of basic facilities like pedestrian crossings and proper lighting,” commented a resident of Machkhowa.
-Upcoming ABC Flyover
- Planned for: 2025
- Specifications: Yet to be finalised, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) still pending
- Estimated Budget: To be discussed and sanctioned
PWD has announced its intention to construct a flyover at the ABC area along GS Road. While this proposal promises relief from traffic bottlenecks, residents remain wary of potential hurdles during the construction.
The environmental cost of Guwahati’s infrastructure development has been significant. From large-scale tree cutting to increased air pollution, residents and activists have voiced concerns over the long-term impact of these projects.
“Guwahati is already facing rising temperatures and worsening air quality. Development at the cost of ecology is not sustainable,” stated an environmental activist.
PWD’s assurances of compensatory afforestation have done little to appease critics. “Planting saplings is not the same as preserving decades-old trees. These projects reflect a shortsighted approach to urban planning,” said another activist.
While PWD’s projects aim to transform Guwahati into a commuter-friendly city, public frustration over poor planning persists. Waterlogging, insufficient drainage, and lack of pedestrian infrastructure are recurring complaints.
“We need holistic planning, not just flyovers. Without addressing drainage and pedestrian needs, these projects are half-baked solutions,” said a resident of Rukminigaon.
Another local from Chandmari echoed similar sentiments: “PWD needs to prioritise quality. The city cannot afford more disruptions.”
The PWD’s plans for Guwahati’s infrastructure overhaul are a double-edged sword. While the projects promise improved connectivity and reduced congestion, their execution raises questions about sustainability, environmental impact, and timely delivery.
As Guwahati transitions into a modern urban centre, the onus lies on the authorities to balance development with ecological preservation and community engagement. Only time will tell if these projects truly deliver on their promises or remain another chapter in the city’s ongoing struggles with urbanisation.