There is a legal framework in place to regulate such vehicles, but enforcement remains weak
"There is no blanket exemption for these vehicles. If there is a proper speed limit signage, they have to follow it. Even in front of educational institutes, they cannot use sirens. The public can complain formally if they are troubled" -- Traffic Official
The city of Guwahati has recently been plagued by a series of alarming incidents involving convoys and escort vehicles. These vehicles, often associated with high-ranking officials and dignitaries, have been at the centre of numerous accidents, raising concerns about public safety, reckless driving, and the enforcement of traffic regulations.
On March 7, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded near Vivanta at Khanapara. A police convoy vehicle collided with a two-wheeler, critically injuring two youths. One of them, 28-year-old Rupam Jyoti Borah, succumbed to his injuries. The then Assam Director General of Police (DGP), GP Singh, confirmed that a case was registered at the Dispur Police Station and assured that lawful action would be taken against the driver involved. The vehicle implicated in the collision was seized for further investigation.
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This incident is not isolated. On June 17, 2022, a police escort vehicle lost control and rammed into a divider at Bhetapara Chariali in Guwahati, injuring two police officers inside. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle, part of a state minister's convoy, was speeding and lacked number plates. Similarly, on June 19, 2022, a speeding police escort vehicle of Assam’s Agriculture Minister, Atul Bora, lost control near Samaguri and fatally struck a youth named Manash Pratim Das. The victim was immediately taken to Nagaon BP Civil Hospital, where he was declared dead.
The list of such incidents is long, highlighting the persistent issue of reckless driving by convoy and escort vehicles. Many citizens believe these vehicles misuse their privilege, creating unnecessary chaos on Guwahati’s roads.
Convoy vehicles are meant to ensure the smooth movement of VIPs, but in Guwahati, they often become a menace. The reckless driving, excessive speeds, and aggressive overtaking have led to several accidents, sometimes proving fatal. The public often complains about these vehicles pushing aside regular commuters without any actual emergency.
Traffic experts argue that the problem is worsened by the lack of strict enforcement. "There is no blanket exemption for these vehicles," says a senior traffic official speaking to GPlus. "If there is a proper speed limit signage, they have to follow it. Even in front of educational institutes, they cannot use sirens. The public can complain formally if they are troubled."
The official also clarified that convoy vehicles are not legally allowed to manipulate traffic for their convenience. The frequent use of sirens, even in non-emergency situations, is against the law and disrupts the daily lives of citizens.
The continuous misuse of convoy privileges has sparked outrage among citizens. Many question why these vehicles are allowed to ignore traffic rules while ordinary commuters face penalties for minor infractions. The growing frustration is evident in the statements of victims.
A commuter, who was recently injured by a convoy vehicle in Dispur, shared, "The convoy was in such a hurry that I couldn't even see the number plate. Why do they misuse their powers? If this was a common citizen, the police would have already filed a case."
There is a legal framework in place to regulate such vehicles, but enforcement remains weak. In 2017, the Supreme Court of India issued a ban on the use of all types of beacon lights on vehicles, except for emergency services like ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles with multi-coloured lights. This ruling aimed to curb the misuse of beacon lights, which had become a status symbol leading to reckless driving and increased accidents.
Additionally, Section 27 of the Rules of the Road Regulations, 1989, mandates that drivers must restrict their speed to not more than 25 km/h when passing a procession, body of troops, or workmen engaged in road repairs. However, in Guwahati, it appears that these rules are seldom followed by convoy and escort vehicles.
The issue of convoy-related accidents is not new to Guwahati. In November 2018, a student from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Guwahati, Anupam Chakma, was killed after being hit by an escort vehicle of then Assam Health Minister near Bharalumukh. The escort car was seized, but there was ambiguity regarding its association with the minister’s convoy.
Earlier, in September 2012, an eight-year-old girl named Afreen Sultana was knocked down by an escort vehicle of Assam’s then Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister, in Nagaon district. The incident led to public outrage, with locals setting the vehicle on fire. No complaints were lodged by either the victim’s family or the escort party.
Similar incidents have been reported in other Indian cities as well, with VIP convoys often disregarding basic traffic norms. In Delhi, a Supreme Court judge’s convoy was fined for violating a red light signal, highlighting the need for accountability. In Mumbai, a businessman was forced off the road by a minister’s convoy, sparking protests.
Guwahati’s traffic situation is already dire due to poor road conditions, encroachments, and haphazard urban planning. The additional burden of convoy vehicles disrupting traffic flow makes it worse. Many residents feel that these vehicles operate with impunity, knowing that there will be no consequences for their actions.
"Convoys and escort vehicles are not emergency response teams," says a local activist. "They are not ambulances carrying a dying patient. Then why do they behave like kings of the road? If they are in a rush, they should leave early instead of creating chaos for others."
Public frustration is growing, and many are calling for stronger regulations and strict penalties for convoy vehicles that break traffic laws. Some citizens suggest installing dash cams on all government convoy vehicles to monitor their behaviour and hold them accountable.
To curb the menace of reckless convoy driving, authorities must take immediate steps to regulate their operations. This includes:
- Strict Monitoring: Law enforcement agencies should actively monitor convoy vehicles to ensure they adhere to speed limits and traffic regulations.
- Public Reporting System: A hotline or online complaint portal should be introduced for citizens to report reckless convoy driving.
- Accountability Measures: Government officials using convoys should be held responsible for the actions of their drivers.
- Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns should educate drivers of convoy vehicles about responsible driving.
- Penalising Offenders: Strict penalties should be imposed on convoy vehicles that misuse sirens, over-speed, or cause accidents.
The government must also work towards reducing the reliance on convoys altogether. In many developed countries, officials use regular vehicles with minimal security details, ensuring that their presence does not disrupt daily life.
The roads of Guwahati belong to all citizens, not just VIPs and officials. Convoys and escort vehicles should not be allowed to terrorise ordinary commuters with reckless driving and unnecessary sirens. The authorities must take immediate action to ensure that these vehicles follow the same traffic rules as everyone else.
Until strong measures are implemented, the streets of Guwahati will continue to witness accidents caused by convoy chaos, leaving citizens questioning whether the law applies equally to all.
