The daily commute for residents of Rupnagar in Guwahati has turned into a perilous journey, with key roads in the area deteriorating due to alleged neglect. Critical stretches like the ASEB Road, which connects GS Road to the state highway, are now riddled with problems, raising serious safety concerns among locals who depend on these routes for work, school, and accessing markets.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Hazardous Conditions
People living in Rupnagar have described the road conditions as particularly dangerous during the monsoon season. Ananya Dutta, a local resident, highlighted the dual threats of inadequate street lighting and significant road damage. She pointed out that numerous potholes and several blind turns on these roads create a high risk for accidents if drivers are not extremely cautious.
"Some footpaths have become completely unwalkable because sections have been illegally encroached upon," Dutta added, emphasizing the lack of safe pedestrian spaces.
The dangers are not limited to the road surface. Nagen Das, who runs a shop along the RK Mission Road that connects to Rupnagar, flagged the issue of reckless driving and poorly designed junctions. He described these intersections as potential "kill zones" where cars speed unchecked and overtake from any direction, leading to minor accidents in the past.
"We urgently need proper road signage and adequate dividers to control traffic and prevent accidents," Das stated.
Municipal Corporation's Response: A Rs 7.70 Crore Solution
Amid the growing chorus of complaints, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), through the Guwahati Utilities Company Limited (GUCL) and in coordination with the town and country planning department, has stepped in with a concrete plan. The authorities are rolling out a comprehensive beautification and safety upgrade project specifically for Rupnagar and its adjoining roads.
GMC Mayor Mrigen Sarania provided details of the initiative. The project will cover a network of approximately 2 kilometers, including ASEB Road, Rupnagar Road, Kali Mandir Road, and RK Mission Road. The total investment for this civic overhaul is set at Rs 7.70 crore.
What the Upgrade Project Will Include
The mayor outlined the key components designed to transform the area:
- New and upgraded footpaths to ensure pedestrian safety.
- Installation of railings and bollards to prevent future encroachment on walkways.
- Improved street lighting across the corridor.
- Comprehensive CCTV coverage for enhanced security.
- Safer junctions equipped with clearly marked zebra crossings.
According to Mayor Sarania, the core objective is to establish a cleaner, safer, and more accessible neighbourhood mobility corridor within the city. This project directly addresses the primary grievances raised by residents regarding missing lane markings, damaged infrastructure, and the lack of safe pedestrian pathways.
The announcement brings a ray of hope to Rupnagar's residents, who have long endured hazardous conditions. The success of this Rs 7.70 crore beautification plan will be closely watched, as it promises to significantly improve the quality of urban life and daily commute for thousands in this part of Guwahati.
