The bustling VIP Road in Guwahati's Six Mile area, a vital artery connecting Dispur to Morigaon district, is finally set for a comprehensive and much-needed transformation. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Guwahati Smart City Limited (GSCL) have announced a major infrastructure overhaul for this key stretch, aiming to make it safer and more accessible for pedestrians and motorists alike.
A Rs 15.59 Crore Vision for Safety and Accessibility
The ambitious project, with an estimated budget of Rs 15.59 crore, will focus on redeveloping a 5.4-kilometer stretch of VIP Road up to Patharquarry. Announcing the initiative, GMC Mayor Mrigen Sarania outlined a series of upgrades designed to address long-standing civic issues. The plan includes the complete redesign of junctions to facilitate safer pedestrian crossings, installation of new streetlights and CCTV cameras for enhanced security, and the addition of bollards and railings to protect those on foot.
Furthermore, to decongest the traffic flow, the project will create designated on-street parking areas. The construction of new, robust footpaths is also a central component of the redevelopment blueprint. The execution will be a joint effort by the GMC's Town and Country Planning (T&CP) department and Guwahati Smart City Limited (GSCL). Officials have indicated that the physical work on the ground is expected to commence in January of next year.
Addressing Long-Standing Grievances of Residents
This redevelopment comes as a direct response to the persistent complaints from locals who live, work, and commute along VIP Road. The area, lined with schools, hospitals, markets, and residential colonies, has suffered from inadequate infrastructure for years. A primary concern has been the poor street lighting, which residents say plunges the area into chaos and danger after sunset.
"During winter nights, streetlights are extremely important as our area remains quite open and risky. There have been incidents of snatching, and the darkness only adds to our fear," shared Nilima Deka, a resident of the nearby Juripar area. Her sentiments are echoed by others in the community who have felt unsafe navigating the dimly lit road.
Curbing Anti-Social Activities and Night-Time Hazards
The lack of illumination has had consequences beyond mere inconvenience. Residents of Patharquarry have reported that the shadowy stretches of the road have become hotspots for anti-social activities, including substance abuse. They allege that individuals exploit the poor lighting to gather and use drugs, making the locality feel more vulnerable.
Beyond safety from crime, the road's current design poses significant traffic hazards. Bruno Khaklari, another local resident, highlighted issues like erratic parking and frequent accidents at poorly designed junctions in Satgaon and Narengi, especially during hours of low visibility. The planned overhaul, with its focus on junction redesign, lighting, and organized parking, aims to systematically address these critical problems, promising a safer and more orderly environment for all users of VIP Road.
