Guwahati: Every day, the Paltan Bazar area — a British-era commercial hub near the Guwahati railway station — witnesses chaotic traffic flow, with autorickshaws and taxis crowding the main road and worsening congestion for commuters. Despite regular checks by the traffic branch of Paltan Bazar police station, vehicles continue to choke the narrow approach roads.The congestion starts along AT Road in Paltan Bazar and stretches up to the Nepali Mandir area, the point from which GS Road begins. Traffic personnels deployed in the area said managing the situation has become increasingly difficult due to the sheer volume of vehicles converging at the same point.
Paltan Bazar police station traffic in-charge M Kumar said the proximity to the railway station draws vehicles to park there while waiting for passengers. “We fine these vehicles almost every day. On average, penalties amounting to nearly Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh are collected, but the congestion returns within hours,” Kumar said, stressing the need for a designated parking space.The directorate of town and country planning (DTCP) has initiated work to make Paltan Bazar more organised and accessible. DTCP assistant director Subhasish Borah said as part of the redevelopment project, parking issues will be addressed.“There is a multi-level parking facility belonging to the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) in that area, which we are planning to revive. An on-street parking system will also be introduced, along with a feasible pricing strategy once the project is completed,” Borah said.Taxi drivers, however, argue they have little choice but to wait along the roadside. “There is no proper parking zone for us. Trains arrive back-to-back, and passengers expect taxis immediately. If we move away, we lose business,” said Biswajit, a local driver.Residents also pointed out that the problem persists due to uneven arterial roads and multiple lanes intersecting at awkward angles, leaving little scope for smooth vehicular movement.
