Enhancing Guwahati's Khanapara: A Gateway in Need of Improvement

Khanapara, a vital transit point in Guwahati, serves as the first impression for many visitors. Despite its significance, it lacks essential facilities such as clear signboards, adequate public toilets, and effective traffic management. The challenges faced by newcomers, including navigation difficulties and unfair fare practices, highlight the need for improvements. This article delves into the current state of Khanapara and the necessary enhancements to create a more welcoming environment for visitors to Guwahati.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2026, 10:03 IST

Khanapara: The Gateway to Guwahati

An e-bus in a busy Guwahati street (Photo: @AkhterArshel/X)

GUWAHATI, June 19: Khanapara serves as a crucial transit hub and creates the initial impression of Guwahati for numerous visitors daily. Despite being recognized as the gateway to the Northeast, this entry point has significant room for enhancement. Key features include the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), a prominent flyover, and various strategic junctions.

However, it falls short in several areas, such as the absence of clear signboards, designated bus stop shelters, well-placed auto-rickshaw stands, sufficient public restrooms, and improved traffic management.

Traffic signals often appear to be out of order and are typically turned off when congestion peaks. In such cases, traffic police are seen manually directing vehicles, while auto-rickshaw drivers navigate the streets in search of passengers.

For newcomers, the scarcity of proper signboards poses a significant challenge. Entering the city via Six Mile often turns into a guessing game due to the lack of clear directional indicators beneath the flyover. The few available signboards are either hard to notice or too subtle to be effective. A rusting signboard at the end of the flyover, hidden on the far side of the service lane, is the only beacon for those using this route.

Auto-rickshaw drivers report that they frequently assist visitors seeking directions into the city. Many of these individuals are from other northeastern states and are unfamiliar with Guwahati’s layout. The city attracts people from across the region for education, healthcare, tourism, and legal matters, with the Gauhati High Court serving three neighboring states in addition to Assam.

Newcomers from smaller towns and rural areas often feel anxious about navigating a large city. There are also complaints about visitors being charged excessive fares. Furthermore, the unkempt roads and unpleasant odors from the streets do not create a welcoming atmosphere. The dust and pollution seem to foreshadow the city experience awaiting newcomers.

Staff Reporter