The roads in Assam, particularly in Guwahati, are notorious for their poor condition. Despite frequent promises of improvement, major roads and link lanes are often riddled with potholes. The issue worsens during the monsoon season, leaving residents frustrated with bumpy rides and frequent vehicle damage
In a bid to tackle the persistent problem of damaged roads in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently announced the upcoming launch of a mobile application aimed at streamlining public complaints about bad roads. During a Facebook Live session, the Chief Minister shared that this app would enable citizens to directly report potholes and poor road conditions to the Public Works Department (PWD), facilitating swift action.
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The initiative will initially be rolled out in five major cities—Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Silchar—with plans to expand to other areas in the future. Sarma assured the public that the app would be operational by April or May 2025. While this announcement signals a significant step towards addressing the state's deteriorating road infrastructure, it raises questions about its feasibility, potential effectiveness, and the preparedness of the PWD to handle the task.
The roads in Assam, particularly in Guwahati, are notorious for their poor condition. Despite frequent promises of improvement, major roads and link lanes are often riddled with potholes. The issue worsens during the monsoon season, leaving residents frustrated with bumpy rides and frequent vehicle damage.
The situation is worsened by ongoing projects undertaken by the Guwahati Jal Board (GJB) and Purba Bharati Gas Private Limited (PBGPL). These projects have left many roads in a state of disrepair, as contractors dig up pathways without ensuring timely restoration. In Guwahati, road repairs are typically undertaken only before major festivals like Durga Puja, when the city undergoes a superficial “beautification” process. The rest of the year, little attention is paid to road maintenance.
While the app promises to address road maintenance issues, questions about the accountability of PWD officials remain unanswered. Speaking to GPlus, a senior PWD official revealed that while the department is aware of the app, they have received no detailed communication regarding its implementation, including the budget.
“There are already piles of estimates forwarded to the authorities, but many sanctions are still pending at different stages and divisions of the department,” the official said. “This app will only add to our burden, given the backlog of pending tasks and payments.”
Another concern raised by the source is the discontinuation of funds for Annual Repairs (AR). Previously, these funds allowed the department to conduct routine maintenance on roads. Without them, even small repairs are delayed due to budget constraints.
The source added that contractors are often reluctant to take up projects due to delayed payments. “Some contractors continue their work purely out of goodwill, knowing that sanctions may take months to be approved,” they said.
The app’s introduction raises concerns about its practicality, especially considering the poor track record of existing Assam government portals. Citizens who have previously used government platforms for services like registration or certificates often complain about delayed responses or incomplete functionality.
A resident from Guwahati shared his scepticism: “If existing portals are not updated or maintained, how can we expect a new app to be any different? It will likely suffer from the same inefficiencies, wasting taxpayers’ money in the process.”
The PWD source also noted that while the app is a commendable initiative, it could further strain the department’s resources. “With the limited budget and pending bills, this app will divert attention from resolving critical issues. It might end up being used only for major roads like GS Road while neglecting link roads and bylanes,” they said.
The PWD is already battling a tarnished reputation due to its failure to maintain Guwahati’s road network effectively. The department has long been criticised for bureaucratic delays, lack of accountability, and subpar execution of projects. The app, while innovative, may add to the department’s woes if it is not backed by adequate funding and manpower.
“There are often direct orders from higher-ups to get work done, regardless of pending sanctions. This creates chaos and delays,” another PWD source revealed. “Additionally, the focus is often on high-visibility roads while interior roads are ignored unless the damage is severe.”
Historically, Guwahati has struggled with maintaining transparency and efficiency in public projects. The discontinuation of AR funds and the lack of routine maintenance have worsened the condition of roads across the city. Introducing a new app without addressing these systemic issues may only scratch the surface of the problem.
Moreover, the lack of a comprehensive strategy to manage funds and streamline operations within the PWD could hinder the app’s success. As one official pointed out, “It’s easy to launch an app, but sustaining it and ensuring accountability are entirely different matters.”
Citizens are divided in their opinion about the app. While some welcome the initiative as a step towards modernising road maintenance, others remain sceptical about its implementation.
A Guwahati-based engineering professor expressed mixed feelings: “The app sounds great in theory, but the real challenge lies in execution. Unless there is a robust mechanism to ensure timely action, the app will be no different from existing government portals.”
Another contractor added, “We’ve seen apps come and go. The government needs to focus on fixing the root causes, like streamlining budget allocation and holding officials accountable, rather than launching new projects.”
For the app to succeed, the government must address the underlying issues plaguing the PWD. This includes clearing pending payments, ensuring adequate funding for road repairs, and holding officials accountable for delays. Additionally, the app’s effectiveness will depend on proper maintenance, timely updates, and user-friendly features that encourage public participation.
The Chief Minister’s announcement marks a bold step towards addressing the road woes, but its success will ultimately depend on the government’s commitment to tackling systemic inefficiencies. For now, citizens can only hope that this initiative leads to smoother journeys and not another bumpy ride.
Only time will reveal whether this proactive step will bring genuine reform or further strain the already burdened PWD.
