GUWAHATI: The increasing trend of two-wheeler riders using the wrong side of the road to access nearby U-turns or cross to the opposite side is becoming a significant traffic concern in Guwahati. This lawless behaviour not only disrupts traffic flow but also endangers the lives of commuters and pedestrians alike.
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Across several city hotspots such as GS Road, RG Baruah Road, Chandmari and others areas such as congested junctions and market areas, two-wheelers are often seen taking shortcuts by riding against the oncoming traffic. This is particularly prevalent in areas where U-turns are spaced far apart, forcing riders to choose between adhering to traffic rules and saving time.
Ajay Sharma, a shopkeeper near a busy intersection at RG Baruah Road, while talking to GPlus said, “We see this every day where multiple two-wheelers take the wrong side of the road due to many reasons- be it to take a bye-lane, u-turns or to access shops on the other side of the road. Riders dodge vehicles coming from the opposite direction, creating chaos and increasing the risk of accidents.”
The consequences of this behaviour have been severe. Traffic police report a rise in near-misses and minor accidents caused by such violations. In some cases, riders have collided with oncoming vehicles or pedestrians, resulting in injuries and property damage.
Two-wheeler riders, however, attribute this risky practice to poorly planned road infrastructure.
Traffic enforcement authorities acknowledge the problem but cite challenges in addressing it effectively.
Talking to GPlus, a senior traffic official from Geetanagar police station, “We conduct regular checks and impose fines on violators, but the sheer volume of offenders makes it difficult to control. The long-term solution lies in better road design and public awareness.”
Until comprehensive solutions are implemented, wrong-side driving remains a ticking time bomb on city roads, endangering lives and disrupting the city’s traffic discipline.
