The problems at this junction are a microcosm of broader urban traffic issues plaguing Guwahati
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The critical junction on the road connecting Jayanagar Chariali and Six Mile has become a symbol of gridlock and chaos, with dangerous traffic manoeuvres, regular gridlocks, and public rule-breaking turning into an everyday ordeal for commuters. Despite its strategic importance as a vital link to areas such as Wireless, Beltola, and Rukminigaon via the Tongra Sattra road, the lack of effective traffic management and the encroachment of public spaces by commercial activities have made the situation intolerable.
This junction, which sees an overwhelming volume of vehicles during peak hours, frequently descends into a standstill, leaving commuters frustrated and helpless. Despite recent efforts to address the issues, including the installation of traffic barricades, the lack of adherence to rules by the public has rendered these measures ineffective.
Several factors contribute to the persistent problem, ranging from mismanagement by authorities to the sheer lack of public cooperation. Pedestrians darting across the busy road with little regard for their safety, unregulated parking, and poor road discipline have compounded the issues. The congestion is magnified by a refuelling station situated close to the junction, adding to the traffic bottlenecks.
Adding to the woes, the weekly bazaar in Beltola on Sundays turns the area into a gridlocked nightmare. With vendors spilling onto the broader sections of the road and an influx of vehicles, the scenario becomes nearly unmanageable, according to frequent users of the road.
An anonymous commuter shared his frustration, “It's an absolute disaster every time I pass through this area. Neither the traffic barricades nor the supposed rules seem to make any difference. It's as if the authorities have given up on managing this junction."
The Tongra Sattra road, which branches off from the main junction, is another critical link for commuters travelling to Wireless, Beltola, Rukminigaon, and neighbouring areas. Its narrow width and increasing traffic volume have made it a hotspot for accidents. After 9 PM, when heavy vehicles are allowed to ply on the main stretch, the road becomes even more hazardous.
A resident of Beltola remarked, "I dread using Tongra Sattra road, especially at night. It's so narrow that even a slight mistake by a driver can result in accidents. There’s no visible presence of traffic police either, which worsens the condition."
When approached for a response, traffic officials from the Dispur and Basistha police stations displayed a worrying lack of coordination, with each passing the buck onto the other.
"That portion doesn’t come under our jurisdiction," said officials from both departments, reflecting the administrative confusion surrounding the management of the area.
This lack of accountability has left commuters and local residents in the lurch, with no clear solution in sight.
In a bid to streamline traffic flow, traffic barricades were recently installed near the junction to regulate vehicle movement. However, these measures have had little impact as public non-compliance continues to derail efforts. Drivers routinely flout lane discipline, and jaywalking remains rampant despite the risks involved.
An auto driver who regularly operates on this route lamented, "Even with the barricadess, people don't follow any rules. Everyone is in a hurry, and that leads to arguments and jams. The authorities need to deploy more personnel here."
For daily commuters, navigating the junction has become a test of patience. The frequent standstills during peak hours, combined with the chaotic movement of vehicles, have led to delays and stress. The lack of a reliable traffic system also impacts emergency services, with ambulances and fire trucks often getting stuck in the mess.
A schoolteacher who commutes via this junction shared their ordeal, "Reaching work on time has become a nightmare. What should be a 15-minute journey often takes over an hour during peak hours. The authorities need to take serious action before the situation worsens further."
Sundays bring a unique challenge to the area, with the weekly bazaar in Beltola attracting a surge of visitors. Vendors occupy a significant portion of the road, leaving little room for vehicles to manoeuvre. Even the relatively broader sections of the road fail to handle the increased load, leading to complete standstills.
A local vendor defended their presence, stating:
"We understand the traffic problem, but this bazaar is our livelihood. The government should provide an organised space for us rather than pushing us away."
On the other hand, residents and regular commuters express growing frustration.
"The bazaar on Sundays is the last straw. It turns an already bad situation into total chaos. The authorities need to relocate it to a more suitable place," suggested a local shop owner.
Experts and concerned citizens have emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive traffic management solutions. Suggestions include the deployment of more traffic personnel, stricter enforcement of rules, and infrastructural upgrades to widen the narrow Tongra Sattra road.
Additionally, stakeholders argue that better coordination between the Dispur and Basistha traffic police is essential to end the administrative deadlock. One urban planning expert noted: “The root of the issue lies in mismanagement and poor urban planning. If these problems are not addressed urgently, the junction will continue to deteriorate, affecting not just traffic but also the quality of life for residents."
For now, commuters and residents remain caught in a daily struggle at the Jayanagar Chariali-Six Mile road. While the installation of traffic barricadess shows some intent on the part of authorities, their efforts remain insufficient in the face of widespread defiance and administrative confusion.
The problems at this junction are a microcosm of broader urban traffic issues plaguing Guwahati. Without a concerted and sustained effort to address these challenges, the situation is likely to escalate, leaving residents to struggle with the growing chaos.