Chaos and confusion unfolded at both ends of Guwahati’s Chandmari Flyover on Friday, January 30, after vehicular movement was completely restricted without adequate on-ground communication, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.
Many motorists and two-wheeler riders said they were unaware of the full closure and were forced to take long detours through congested interior roads, resulting in hours of delay during peak morning hours.
Traffic chaos erupted across Chandmari in Guwahati on January 30 after the flyover was fully closed. Several commuters, unaware of the restriction, were forced into long detours and faced hours-long delays, highlighting gaps in advance communication and on-ground traffic planning during the closure.
What Commuters Faced on the Ground
Visuals from the site showed vehicles abruptly turning back, riders stopping to seek directions, and long queues forming near access points on both sides of the flyover.
Commuters reported:
- Sudden roadblocks with no clear signage
- Lack of traffic personnel at diversion points
- Confusion over alternate routes
Several office-goers said they missed scheduled timings due to repeated rerouting.
Areas Affected by the Spillover
The sudden restriction at Chandmari had a ripple effect across central Guwahati, affecting traffic flow in adjoining areas such as:
- Rajgarh Road
- GNB Road
- Anuradha Road
- Interior residential lanes are used as diversion routes
These stretches witnessed abnormal congestion as diverted traffic converged simultaneously.
Lack of Awareness Added to Delays
While traffic advisories had been issued earlier, many commuters said the information did not reach ground-level users, especially those travelling early in the morning.
“There was no banner, no police, no notice where I entered. Suddenly, the road was blocked,” one commuter said, adding that he had to take multiple U-turns to find an exit route.
Why Chandmari Matters to Guwahati Traffic
The Chandmari Flyover is one of Guwahati’s most critical traffic links, connecting residential neighbourhoods with commercial and institutional zones. Any disruption, especially without staggered planning, quickly impacts the wider city network.
Urban transport observers note that full closures during peak hours require strong advance messaging and visible traffic management to prevent chaos.
What Authorities Are Expected to Do Next
Commuters are calling for:
- Clear signage at entry points
- On-ground deployment of traffic personnel
- Real-time updates through public channels
As Guwahati undergoes multiple infrastructure upgrades, residents say coordination and communication are as important as construction itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When was the Chandmari Flyover fully closed?
Vehicular movement was completely restricted on January 30.
Q2. Why did commuters face so much confusion?
Many were unaware of the full closure and found no clear signage or traffic guidance at entry points, forcing long detours.
