Guwahati's New Flyovers: A Mixed Blessing for Residents

Guwahati's new flyovers promise improved connectivity and reduced traffic, but they also reveal a troubling pattern of littering and civic neglect. Despite efforts by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation to raise awareness, many residents seem indifferent to their responsibilities. As traffic congestion worsens and public spaces are misused, the question arises: how can citizens better protect their city's infrastructure? This article delves into the challenges and implications of this ongoing issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 17:32 IST

The Impact of New Flyovers on Guwahati

What thoughts cross the minds of Guwahati residents when a new flyover opens? They often think of improved connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced safety on the roads. However, the initial excitement can quickly turn to disappointment as many flyovers reveal issues like dirty walls, littered areas, and early signs of wear and tear.

Guwahati is undergoing rapid changes, with new flyovers helping to alleviate traffic, renovated parks, and modern public spaces redefining the urban landscape. Yet, this progress raises an important question: Are the citizens doing enough to safeguard these developments?

Aayaaz Taufiq, a Jalukbari resident, expressed concern, stating, “This trend is likely to persist. Many individuals have become desensitized to such behavior.” He recounted his visit to the newly inaugurated Nilachal Flyover in Maligaon in 2023, where he noticed gutka stains marring the structure.

“I didn’t witness anyone spitting at that moment, but the stains were already present on the sides and the road. Reports of stolen decorative lights emerged just days later. Even on inauguration day, vehicles were parked carelessly,” he noted.

Public Appeals and Civic Responsibility

Efforts to Encourage Civic Sense

Despite ongoing awareness campaigns by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), littering and vandalism persist, raising questions about the public's commitment to civic duties.

Just a day after the Dinesh Goswami Flyover's inauguration in Bharalumukh, GMC made a public appeal: “Let’s not allow stains and litter to be the first things seen on this bridge. We’ve improved our roads; now let’s enhance our civic sense. Please avoid littering, do not throw trash from moving vehicles, and refrain from spitting.”

A similar message was shared on March 10, coinciding with the opening of the Maharaj Prithu Flyover connecting Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati. GMC urged, “As we admire the view from the newly constructed Maharaj Prithu Flyover, let’s ensure we leave nothing behind but our appreciation.”

However, these appeals seem to have little effect. Shortly after, videos surfaced on social media showing plastic bags and other waste littering the new flyovers, a troubling trend.

The situation worsened after the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu opened, with people stopping in the middle of the bridge to take photos or videos, despite the dangers and traffic regulations.

Traffic Issues and Public Behavior

Civic Negligence Affects Commuters

For many locals, this behavior is not surprising. Nisha De, a resident of Adabari, believes the issue stems from a lack of willingness to change rather than a lack of awareness.

“The government is making efforts,” she stated, noting the various street plays, mime performances, and ongoing social media campaigns. “But do people genuinely pay attention?”

She also highlighted another concern: the public's obsession with newly opened flyovers.

“People flock to these sites just to see them, which often leads to traffic jams. Even when a walking zone is declared temporarily, crowds gather again once vehicles are allowed back, exacerbating the situation,” she explained.

Commuters are already feeling the repercussions. Nirav Jain, a student from Guwahati, shared, “It used to take me about half an hour to reach college. Now, with traffic on the bridge, it takes over an hour. These flyovers were meant to cut down travel time, so why are we still stuck in traffic?”

The Bharalumukh Traffic In-Charge mentioned that they conduct regular patrols to monitor traffic and ensure compliance with guidelines on the Guwahati–North Guwahati Bridge.

“We impose penalties on those who violate rules or stop unauthorized. However, some violations may go unnoticed as our patrols are often required elsewhere. We have also removed small stalls set up on the bridge,” he said, wishing to remain anonymous.

He added that congestion from Lachit Ghat to Fancy Bazar occurs due to the road narrowing, where vehicles from multiple directions converge into a two-lane corridor, causing frequent bottlenecks.

Social media has amplified these issues, with residents frequently sharing how public infrastructure is misused. While the government continues to invest in building and maintaining such projects, their long-term sustainability relies heavily on civic responsibility.