A severe breakdown in public transport planning left thousands of commuters stranded across Guwahati on Saturday. The city's bus network, comprising both Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and private vehicles, virtually disappeared from major roads, causing widespread frustration and inconvenience.
Buses Diverted for PM's Event, City Left in the Lurch
The disruption coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's highly anticipated visit to the city. While eager crowds flocked to his public event, the city's own residents were left struggling. Authorities diverted the fleet of over 300-400 city buses to outlying districts to ferry people to the Prime Minister's address, which followed the inauguration of Guwahati's new airport terminal.
This decision, taken amid heightened security for the VVIP visit, effectively brought intra-city bus operations to a halt. Passengers who rely on these buses for daily commutes were left high and dry, with no prior warning or alternative arrangements in place.
Commuters Voice Anger at Key Hubs
The fallout was visible at all major transport hubs. At locations like the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Khanapara, Paltan Bazar, Jalukbari, Panbazar, and Beltola, scenes of frustration unfolded.
Rajiv Haloi, a college student, encapsulated the public mood. "I have been waiting for two hours for a bus to Basistha. Where are the buses? Every time such occasions occur, the management is extremely poor," he said. His sentiment was echoed by countless others who faced disrupted schedules and long, uncertain waits.
These buses are a lifeline for the city, with fares typically ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 60 depending on the distance travelled. Their sudden unavailability highlighted a critical gap in contingency planning for large-scale official events.
Official Response and Promise of Normalcy
Facing backlash, officials from the transport bodies addressed the situation. Devraj Das, Secretary of the Metropolitan Transport Association Guwahati (MTAG), acknowledged the problem and provided a timeline for resolution.
He stated that normal bus services are expected to be restored by Monday, assuring that the buses would be made available for regular commuters once again. This statement, however, offered little solace to those who lost a day to the transport chaos.
The incident has sparked a debate on urban management and the need for balanced planning that accommodates official functions without bringing the daily life of a bustling city to a standstill.
