Compounding the traffic problem is the severe lack of parking spaces throughout the city
Guwahati’s residents are bracing themselves for a challenging Durga Puja season this year, with major construction projects across the city expected to disrupt traffic flow. With connectivity already restricted, the celebrations will be further marred by ongoing flyover and road construction in key areas. Public frustration is mounting as major routes are likely to become impassable, and parking availability remains woefully inadequate.
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Last year, Maligaon was the only part of the city affected by construction work, which made traffic management simpler for authorities. However, this year, multiple projects are underway simultaneously, causing widespread disruption. Rukminigaon, Fatasil Ambari, Chandmari, Panbazar’s NO Bridge, Bharalumukh Overbridge, and various roads and bylanes are currently under construction, creating bottlenecks and limited movement.
One of the most heavily affected areas is Bishnupur, where traffic has already been restricted due to the construction of the Cycle Factory Flyover. The movement of vehicles through this vital junction is now severely limited, sparking concerns about how it will handle the additional traffic during the Puja festivities.
Similarly, Chandmari, one of the busiest areas for Durga Puja celebrations, faces disruption due to ongoing construction work. Authorities have strictly instructed that Puja pandals not be erected on major roads, allowing for smoother traffic movement. However, even with these measures in place, the space available for vehicles will remain limited, leaving revellers worried about access.
Rukminigaon on GS Road has emerged as one of the biggest concerns. With only 12 metres of road space available for movement in both directions, the thoroughfare will be under significant pressure during the festive season. Navigating this stretch could prove a nightmare for motorists, particularly as the number of vehicles on the roads typically surges during the Puja period.
Compounding the traffic problem is the severe lack of parking spaces throughout the city. Finding parking is already a challenge for residents, and with the expected influx of vehicles, the situation is predicted to become chaotic. As the city struggles with increased congestion, drivers will likely resort to parking illegally, further clogging already congested roads.
Traffic officials are preparing for what they describe as an "impossible task" of managing the city’s roads during Puja. Speaking to GPlus, a traffic official from Dispur voiced concerns over the current traffic scenario.
“With the present scenario, the situation is going to get tough. We will try our best to manage the traffic. The public should know that rather than using an entire vehicle for just 2-3 persons, they should collectively decide to use one vehicle for at least 5-6. This will reduce the flow of vehicles and help with the movement,” the official advised.
Meanwhile, an officer from the Chandmari Traffic Department expressed a similar sentiment. “It is our duty to see through that everything goes smoothly. But the limited space will hinder the operations. I hope residents remain alert enough to prevent any mishaps,” the officer noted.
Despite these preparations, there is a growing sense that the Puja season will inevitably descend into gridlock. Road users are encouraged to plan their journeys carefully, but with so many constraints, it’s unclear how much can be done to ease the inevitable congestion.
Accidents, road rage, and constant honking have become common during Puja celebrations in Guwahati, and with the current road conditions, improvements seem unlikely. Limited space for vehicle movement and an overwhelming number of vehicles have raised concerns about city’s ability to handle the traffic surge.
Traffic congestion has always been an issue, but this year’s Durga Puja brings a new level of complexity. The sheer number of ongoing construction projects is unprecedented, and with no clear solution in sight, the public is being urged to consider alternative ways of travelling.
Traffic officials are pushing for collective travel, urging families and friends to pool resources and share vehicles to ease the burden on the roads. With fewer vehicles on the road, it is hoped that some congestion can be alleviated, though the challenge of navigating through narrow streets and construction sites remains.
“Single or double occupancy in vehicles should be avoided at all costs this Puja. Combined travel will be key in managing the traffic flow,” stated another traffic official.
However, with little parking and streets choked by construction, even the best-laid plans may not be enough to avoid city-wide gridlock. The underlying issues of poor infrastructure and traffic management are coming to a head, and many believe that a lasting solution is far from sight.
While the traffic department has yet to release formal travel restrictions for the festive season, the writing on the wall is clear. For those planning to visit the Puja venues scattered across the city, patience and careful planning will be essential. Navigating through Guwahati’s crumbling infrastructure is set to become a test of endurance, and for many, the fear of being stuck in long traffic jams may deter them from participating in the celebrations altogether.
As the construction work drags on, residents are left wondering whether the authorities will step up their efforts to manage traffic more efficiently. For now, the public remains hopeful that Durga Puja can proceed without total chaos, but the situation on the roads paints a grim picture.
With the ever-present threat of road rage and accidents adding to the stress, the festival season in Guwahati is likely to be anything but smooth.
Whether the authorities can prevent the festival from descending into complete gridlock remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Guwahati’s residents are in for a bumpy ride this Puja season.