Guwahati, Oct 20: Between unfinished construction, dug-up roads, and clouds of dust, the once-bustling Ambari stretch in Guwahati has turned into a daily endurance test for commuters. What was meant to be a zone of urban improvement now feels, for many, like walking through a sandstorm in the heart of the city.
Motorists and pedestrians alike complain of poor visibility, dusty air, and uneven road surfaces. The constant movement of construction vehicles and open drainage work has made the area one of Guwahati’s most congested patches during rush hours.
“Even five minutes on this road is enough to cover your clothes and hair in dust,” said a local shopkeeper, who has been forced to keep his shutters closed for most of the day.
City Centre or Construction Zone?
The ongoing projects, reportedly part of a multi-agency development plan to upgrade road surfaces, drainage lines, and civic utilities, have been dragging on for months, with no clear deadline in sight.
Residents allege that poor coordination between departments has left key portions of Ambari in a semi-permanent state of excavation. For daily commuters coming from Uzan Bazar, Panbazar, and Silpukhuri, the bottleneck has turned into a recurring nightmare.
“Ambari used to be one of the cleanest and most vibrant parts of Guwahati. Now, it feels like a construction site that never sleeps,” said a daily commuter from Silpukhuri.
Health and Traffic Concerns Mount
Local doctors have also raised alarms over the rising respiratory discomfort among people exposed to fine construction dust daily. Traffic police, meanwhile, are grappling with the chaos as narrowed lanes and debris-filled pavements continue to clog movement, especially during peak school and office hours.
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the Public Works Department (PWD) have assured that road repairs and surface levelling are being prioritised post-Durga Puja and Diwali festivities. However, citizens say progress on the ground remains slow.
- Area Affected: Ambari, Guwahati
- Issues: Dust pollution, poor road conditions, traffic congestion
- Ongoing Works: Road expansion, drainage, and civic infrastructure upgrade
- Public Sentiment: “Enough promises — just finish it.”
