Guwahati Sees Surge in Road Traffic Accidents During Durga Puja

During the Durga Puja celebrations, Guwahati witnessed a significant number of road traffic accidents, with over 100 cases reported at the GMCH. The hospital admitted 82 individuals, while nine were declared dead. Despite a 15% decrease in accidents compared to last year, concerns remain high regarding road safety, as highlighted by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He pointed to factors such as ongoing road work and unsafe driving practices contributing to the issue. The need for increased awareness around road safety is more pressing than ever.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 22, 2026, 13:32 IST

Increase in Road Traffic Accidents Reported

A file image of a car accident (Photo: AT)

Guwahati, Oct 22: During the Durga Puja celebrations, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) reported over 100 cases of road traffic accidents, with 114 individuals arriving at the emergency department from October 16 to October 21.

Out of these, 82 individuals required hospitalization, while nine were pronounced dead upon arrival, according to GMCH Superintendent Dr. Devajit Choudhury.

Among the hospitalized patients, 67 were male and 15 were female. The fatalities included eight men and one woman.

Dr. Choudhury noted, “From October 16 to October 21, we documented 114 road traffic accident cases in our emergency ward. Of these, 82 patients were admitted, while nine were brought dead.”

He also mentioned that this year's road accident cases have decreased by 15% compared to the same period last year.

“Most incidents originated from Guwahati and nearby regions, with a few patients referred from locations such as Tezpur and Jorhat,” he added.

According to Choudhury, approximately 20% of the admitted patients are in critical condition and are under close observation.

“We are monitoring them daily and performing repeat CT scans. About 70% of the cases involve motorcycle accidents, while car accidents make up the remaining 30%,” he explained.

This data comes amid ongoing concerns regarding road safety in the region. On October 20, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed alarm over the rising number of road accidents, attributing them to hazardous road sections, ongoing construction, and reckless driving.

“Accidents are on the rise, and we are worried about it. While some areas have seen improvements, others remain concerning, particularly where road renovations are taking place. We are also addressing hazardous points,” Sarma stated to the media.

He emphasized the importance of enhancing road safety awareness, highlighting issues such as driving under the influence and not wearing helmets as significant contributors to accidents.