The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has officially renamed Rajiv Gandhi Path as Maniram Dewan Path, a key road stretch connecting Jyotikuchi Tiniali to the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre.
The decision has sparked a fresh wave of public discussion in the locality, not just about the name change, but about whether the long-neglected road will finally receive sustained repair and maintenance.
Rajiv Gandhi Path in Guwahati has been renamed Maniram Dewan Path by the GMC. The road, which connects Jyotikuchi Tiniali to the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, has faced repeated construction and deterioration since 2015. Residents are now questioning whether the renaming will be followed by long-term infrastructure improvement.
A Strategic Road With Persistent Problems
The stretch is not a minor internal lane. It acts as a crucial traffic artery linking Jyotikuchi to ISBT and helping divert vehicles from AK Azad Road toward Lokhra and areas near the Tirupati Balaji Temple.
Despite its importance, residents say the condition of the road has remained inconsistent for years.
Construction began around 2015 and was declared complete in late 2018. However, within a year, agencies, including the Guwahati Jal Board, reportedly reopened sections of the road for utility-related works. Restoration followed, but residents claim the surface quality never fully stabilised.
Potholes, uneven patches and frequent dust accumulation continue to affect daily commuters.
Name Change And Public Reaction
Local councillor Smita Roy stated that the name change followed public petitions and that the GMC acted accordingly.
However, some residents told Our Guwahati that they were unaware of such petitions. While reactions vary, a common sentiment expressed by locals is that the focus should remain on infrastructure quality rather than signage.
For many commuters and shopkeepers, the road’s usability matters more than its title.
Traffic, Safety, and Daily Impact
Residents point to several recurring concerns:
- Frequent digging and delayed restoration
- Accidents due to uneven patches
- Heavy vehicle movement
- Overspeeding in certain sections
- Unregulated roadside parking
The stretch witnesses regular traffic congestion, particularly during peak office hours. Given its connection to ISBT and other arterial roads, disruptions here ripple across adjoining areas.
Local shop owners say dust and broken patches also affect pedestrian movement and commercial activity.
The Larger Infrastructure Question
The renaming comes at a time when Guwahati is undergoing multiple infrastructure upgrades, including new flyovers and road expansion projects.
However, residents argue that maintenance of existing roads is equally critical. Civic experts note that coordinated planning between construction agencies and utility departments is essential to prevent repeated excavation and deterioration.
Whether Maniram Dewan Path will now receive systematic resurfacing and drainage improvements remains to be seen.
What Happens Next?
The GMC has formalised the renaming. As of now, no official timeline for major redevelopment or resurfacing of the road has been publicly announced.
Residents say they will monitor whether the renaming is accompanied by concrete infrastructure action in the coming months.
For daily commuters between Jyotikuchi, ISBT, Lokhra and adjoining areas, the expectation is straightforward: a durable, properly maintained road that supports safe and smooth travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Rajiv Gandhi Path renamed?
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation renamed the road as Maniram Dewan Path following what officials described as public petitions.
Where is Maniram Dewan Path located?
The road connects Jyotikuchi Tiniali to the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre and links to ISBT and AK Azad Road in Guwahati.
Has the road condition improved after the renaming?
As of now, no major redevelopment announcement has been made. Residents continue to raise concerns about potholes and uneven surfaces.
