At Basistha Chariali, one of the busiest junctions in south Guwahati, a newly completed flyover intended to alleviate traffic woes has instead resulted in chaos, gridlock, and increased danger for commuters, pedestrians, and residents. The situation has devolved into a daily struggle, as unmanaged traffic and deteriorating roads intertwine to create substantial safety risks.
Currently, there are no traffic signals at the junction, causing vehicles from multiple directions to converge simultaneously. During peak hours, this scenario intensifies, with cars, buses, e-buses, two-wheelers, and e-rickshaws vying for limited space, often leading to complete standstills. The absence of effective traffic enforcement has left commuters to their own devices for much of the day.
One office worker described the junction as “unpredictable and stressful,” noting that “Every day feels like a gamble. You never know how long you will be stuck here.” Another commuter echoed these concerns, stating, “There is no system. Everyone is trying to move first, and that makes it worse.”
The situation is exacerbated by the unchecked movement of buses and e-rickshaws. On the Beltola side, buses frequently block lanes, disrupting traffic flow, while on the Basistha Temple side, e-rickshaws occupy the road, restricting access for private vehicles and emergency services. A local shopkeeper remarked, “The e-rickshaws stop anywhere they want to pick up passengers. Sometimes ambulances also get stuck. It is scary to think what will happen during a serious emergency.”
The service lanes beneath the flyover add another layer of confusion. Since its opening, both pedestrians and drivers have struggled to discern their intended use, given the absence of clear signage or lane markings. This has led to vehicles inadvertently entering wrong lanes, escalating the risk of accidents. A daily commuter commented, “There are no clear instructions. Big buses come into the service lanes and smaller vehicles have nowhere to go. People just follow others and hope for the best.”
A traffic official from the Basistha police station acknowledged the challenges in managing the area, stating, “We often navigate the traffic at peak hours. There will be confusions even if traffic lights are provided because the area is spread out. But we try to manage our best.”
Nevertheless, commuters feel that these efforts are insufficient. Many report that traffic personnel are only visible during rush hours, leaving the junction unmanaged throughout the day. An auto driver observed, “Once the police leave, it becomes lawless again. People break rules openly because they know no one is watching.”
The poor condition of the service lane from Koinadhora to Basistha poses additional hazards. This stretch is filled with potholes, loose gravel, and dust, making it perilous for all commuters, especially those on two-wheelers. The lack of streetlights further inhibits visibility at night. One resident expressed concern, saying, “At night, you cannot see the potholes. Many people have fallen here.”
Officials from the Public Works Department explained that the situation is tied to an ongoing drain restoration project, stating that the roadway restoration is under the jurisdiction of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). However, residents assert that this work has dragged on for months without a clear completion timeline.
An increasing number of street vendors setting up shop under the flyover is another worry. The presence of food and other goods has drawn large crowds, constricting already limited space. While many sympathize with the vendors’ need to earn a living, commuters contend that this encroachment worsens traffic congestion and safety risks. A college student remarked, “When stalls come up right on the road, where are vehicles supposed to go? Someone will get seriously hurt one day.”
So far, no significant crackdowns or regulatory efforts have been implemented. A Guwahati Municipal Corporation official stated that enforcement depends on formal complaints, leading locals to question why action is not taken proactively. A nearby resident pointed out, “Authorities can see what is happening every day. Why wait for a complaint?”
Over time, Basistha Chariali has garnered a reputation for accidents, traffic snarls, overcrowding, and illegal activities. Residents report that inadequate lighting and enforcement have made the area unsafe, particularly after dark. An anonymous local noted, “After sunset, people avoid stopping here. There are fights, suspicious activities, and sometimes thefts. The flyover was supposed to improve things, but now it feels worse.”
Despite numerous complaints from commuters, a comprehensive solution remains elusive. For many, the issue transcends mere traffic control; it speaks to the dignity and safety of everyday travel. A middle-aged commuter encapsulated the sentiment, saying, “We are not asking for luxury. We just want to reach home safely and on time.”
As the situation at Basistha Chariali continues to deteriorate, locals hope that authorities will implement effective measures rather than temporary fixes. Until that happens, thousands traversing the junction daily remain ensnared in a system that appears to have lost all direction.
Original Source: https://www.guwahatiplus.com/exclusive-news/flyover-fails-to-ease-congestion-in-guwahatis-basistha-chariali
Category: Exclusive News
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-01-24 13:43:00
