Concerns Rise Over Traffic Safety in Guwahati Amid License Issuance Issues

Guwahati is grappling with significant traffic safety issues as the Transport department faces criticism for questionable driving license issuance and lax enforcement of traffic regulations. Recent audits reveal alarming lapses, including a high number of licenses issued without proper testing and minimal penalties for traffic violations. With road accidents on the rise, concerns about the effectiveness of the department's measures to ensure road safety are growing. This situation highlights the urgent need for reforms in licensing practices and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to protect the public.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 26, 2026, 09:24 IST

Traffic Safety Under Scrutiny in Guwahati

The advisory comes after severe traffic chaos was witnessed in Guwahati on Thursday.

Guwahati, April 26: The Transport department is facing criticism due to a rise in road accidents across the State, attributed to the issuance of dubious driving licenses and insufficient enforcement of traffic laws, which significantly jeopardizes road safety.

Recent audit findings have revealed several shortcomings within the Transport department that could endanger public safety on the roads.

For example, from 2019 to 2023, a total of 23,19,445 learner’s licenses were granted by 32 District Transport Offices (DTOs), with 3,56,805 (15 percent) of these licenses having test dates marked as “null.” Similarly, out of 24,32,706 driving licenses issued, 16,338 also had “null” test dates.

The absence of recorded test dates for both learner and driving licenses raises concerns about whether these licenses were issued without proper testing or if there are systemic flaws in the process. According to evaluations, a maximum of 25-30 driving tests can be conducted daily at a single facility.

However, the average daily tests varied significantly, from 20 in Dibrugarh to 216 in Kokrajhar, prompting doubts about the thoroughness of the assessments and whether essential criteria were overlooked, potentially compromising testing standards.

“The unrealistically high number of tests conducted daily undermines the fundamental purpose of driving assessments. Licenses may be granted to individuals who do not possess the necessary skills, thereby heightening the risk of accidents and traffic infractions,” the report indicated.

The Transport department's shortcomings extend beyond licensing. It has also been ineffective in enforcing traffic regulations.

Between 2019 and 2024, 1,37,795 vehicles were cited for traffic violations, particularly for excessive speeding under Section 183. Of these, 21,842 vehicles committed repeat offenses, yet only four driving licenses were suspended.

The audit noted that while the Transport department had provisions for suspending licenses for speeding, it failed to include similar measures for overloaded vehicles, driving under the influence, and using mobile devices while driving, despite directives from the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Report on Road Accidents in India 2022, speeding is a leading cause of traffic accidents. Violations such as speeding and driving on the wrong side are not merely human errors; they can also be linked to inadequate training and enforcement.