Guwahati: Traffic rules violations rose sharply in Guwahati between April and May, emerging as a major road safety concern as several accidents in the city have been linked to reckless driving and noncompliance with regulations.
Traffic police flagged a rise in overspeeding, driving without helmets, wrong-lane driving, rash driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, among other offences, during the two-month period. Officials said the surge in violations is contributing to road accidents in the city.
Fines Imposed Through ITMS
Traffic DCP Jayanta Sarathi Borah said enforcement has been intensified, with fines being imposed to instil responsibility among road users and raise awareness about road safety.
“During the month of April fines imposed amounted to Rs 2,30,35,000, but in the month of May it rose to Rs 3,01,25,500,” the DCP said, adding that fines are issued through the Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS), under which e-challans are generated and sent to violators via a digital link.
Problem Areas and Manpower Constraints
Authorities said areas such as Dispur, Paltan Bazaar and Ganeshguri have seen increasing issues affecting traffic management and safety, including the movement of e-rickshaws, illegal roadside parking, and instances of electric buses stopping mid-road to pick up and drop passengers. Police also cited manpower constraints in monitoring violations.
“The manpower we currently have is just enough to meet the minimum requirements. However, with the increasing number of vehicles and the city’s expansion, there is a need for additional personnel, and we expect to receive more manpower soon,” the DCP also said.
Experts Call for Technology and Education
With urban growth and rising vehicle numbers, experts said technology-led enforcement is becoming critical as staffing shortages limit round-the-clock action.
Arshel Akhtar, a sustainable urban mobility advocate, said: “The city should strengthen enforcement through reliable AI-enabled ITMS, install more Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, and camera- and GPS-based parking management systems. However, new investments must be backed by proper maintenance, accountability, and integration, as the failure of the existing ITMS shows that technology is only as effective as its implementation.”
Road safety and sustainable development expert Simanta Kalita called for early education and road design changes to curb violations.
“Road safety must be integrated into the regular school curriculum. Children are at a formative stage where they readily absorb information, and unsafe or unruly behaviours can be corrected through proper education. Early intervention helps instil responsible habits and promotes safer conduct on the roads.”
He added that creating separate designated road zones for different categories of vehicles could reduce conflicts caused by mixed traffic, improve discipline and enhance safety.
