'Highest road accidents, lowest fatalities': How safe is Guwahati?

In a surprising trend, Assam has reported a rise in road accidents but a drop in fatalities compared to last year, sparking concerns among Guwahati residents. According to data, the state recorded 654 accidents in January 2023, increasing to 819 in January 2024. February 2023 saw 582 accidents, while February 2024 witnessed 822, a significant increase of over 41%. Despite the higher accident count, fatalities have reportedly decreased, a claim highlighted by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

However, local residents in Guwahati express growing concerns over the deteriorating state of road safety. A local resident speaking to IndiaTodayNE pointed out the surge in vehicle usage without corresponding road space expansion as a significant issue. "The use of vehicles has increased significantly these days, and we don't have enough space on the roads in Guwahati. Another issue is the frequent disobeying of traffic rules. If a speeding vehicle comes from the wrong side, accidents are bound to happen. This road has also been damaged by landslides and floods, but it hasn't been repaired yet. I even survived a road accident yesterday while coming from Kahilipara. This is not a solution. Most of us have small families nowadays, and if something happens to the breadwinner, how will the family survive?" the concerned local noted.

Further highlighting the issue, another local resident criticized the outdated infrastructure and lack of proper traffic management. "Buildings in Guwahati have been around for a long time, so it's impossible to demolish them to widen the roads. This is a major problem because, although people in Guwahati are smart and well-educated, they often make these kinds of mistakes. They frequently block the road by running red lights, leading to increased traffic jams. Some busy roads often lack traffic police, which makes people think they can break the rules without facing fines. This behavior causes problems for everyone. Another big issue is the pipelines; the government's work is often done in a haphazard manner, creating more challenges," the local added.

The poor condition of roads is a recurring concern. Another Guwahati resident highlighted that the main issue is the poor road condition, which is a key factor in the increasing number of accidents. "How is this possible that road accidents are rising and fatalities have dropped? Fatality rates are always high. Drivers are mainly responsible; they don't follow rules and regulations. Vehicles often barge into the wrong sides of the roads. Only educated people do these types of silly mistakes. I have seen many educated breaking the rules, and this is happening everywhere in Guwahati. Traffic lights have some defects in many areas. I think they should increase time duration in areas like GS roads and Khanapara because we see major traffic jams there," the local stated.

While some residents acknowledge the government's efforts to improve road safety, they believe more needs to be done by the public as well. "They need to obey traffic rules. The government is doing its best, but the public must take responsibility for these accidents. Accidents aren't intentional; that's why they're called accidents. I'm urging everyone to follow the rules. Many people are careless about one-way roads, often treating them as if they're two-way, which leads to problems. They also frequently cross roads by climbing over dividers. This behavior shows a lack of responsibility. People must be more careful and accountable for their actions to ensure everyone's safety," another local commented.

As road accidents continue to rise in Assam, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of current safety measures. Despite heavy fines, why aren't practices like helmet use significantly reducing accidents? What steps are being taken to ensure safer roads and prevent injuries from increasing? Additionally, there are concerns about the safety standards of rideshare services like Uber and Rapido and the measures in place to mitigate severe injuries caused by these accidents. The onus is now on the government to address these pressing issues and ensure the safety of Assam's residents on the roads.