GUWAHATI: The story of Guwahati based traffic cop Mithun Das standing amid heavy rain in an uncovered podium directing traffic has brought to light the dire condition of traffic points in the city.
The viral video taken at Basistha Chariali traffic point showed that the police constable was standing at an uncovered traffic podium. And no, Basistha Chariali is not the only traffic point in Guwahati that needs repair. In fact, two (Beharbari Point and Basistha Chariali) out of four traffic points under Basistha Police Station Traffic Branch are currently in need of repair.
In must be noted that out of a total of 64 traffic points in Guwahati, 15 are currently in need of repair. These are: Panbazar Point, Judge Field Point, Gauhati Bazar Point, Silpukhuri, Pathar Quarry Point, Panjabari Point, Beharbari Point, Basistha Chariali, Fatasil Chariali, Fatasil Chariali Point, Nilachal Point, Adabari Tiniali, Maligaon gate no. 3, Lokhra Point, and Garchuk Point.
A video captured on Sunday, March 31 showed Mithun continuously managing traffic during rush hour, which was made all the more difficult as it was accompanied by a heavy thunderstorm. The video won people's hearts and Mithun was lauded from all corners for his professionalism.
With as many as 15 traffic points currently requiring repair and the need for more traffic points in the city, the situation raises a question on the overall traffic management of the city. While Das has been lauded for his efforts, the incident could have been prevented if the police had taken proactive measures to improve the working condition of the city traffic police and infrastructure.