Excavation work on Athgaon’s Aloo Godown Road has left the stretch broken, flooded, and dangerous for commuters
For residents of Athgaon’s Aloo Godown Road in Guwahati, daily movement has become a struggle as a crucial stretch of the road has remained dug up, damaged, and unrepaired for nearly a month after excavation work carried out by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC). What was once an important alternative route used by commuters to avoid Athgaon traffic congestion has now turned into a dangerous stretch marked by an open drain, stagnant water, foul smell, traffic disruption, and growing safety concerns.
ALSO READ: Menstruation Remains Stigmatised As Cost, Custom And Silence Block Safe Hygiene
The condition of the road reportedly deteriorated after a portion was excavated for drainage-related work and left unattended. Residents alleged that despite repeated complaints, no proper restoration work has been carried out, leaving commuters, pedestrians, and local residents to navigate through muddy water, broken surfaces, and exposed drains on a daily basis.
The damaged stretch has significantly reduced the usable width of the road, forcing vehicles from both directions to squeeze through a narrow passage. Locals said the situation becomes particularly chaotic during peak hours when schoolchildren, office-goers, and two-wheelers attempt to pass through the same stretch simultaneously.
“This road has practically become unusable now. Four-wheelers can barely pass and even bikes struggle to move safely,” a resident told GPlus while pointing towards the broken stretch filled with muddy stagnant water. “The remaining narrow portion is being used by vehicles from both sides, which leads to traffic congestion throughout the day.”
According to residents, the problem began nearly a month ago after excavation work for drainage improvement started in the locality. However, locals alleged that the work was left incomplete midway, with no immediate measures taken to restore the road or secure the exposed drain.
Residents further alleged that the absence of proper barricading and safety arrangements around the open drain has increased the risk of accidents, especially for children and elderly people living in the locality.
“Schoolchildren are among the worst affected. During school hours, the road becomes slippery and overcrowded, and children are forced to walk dangerously close to the open drain,” another resident told GPlus.
“Several children have already slipped or fallen while trying to cross this stretch. Parents remain worried every day.”
The situation reportedly worsens during rainfall when stagnant water mixed with drain water submerges the damaged portions of the road. Residents said the waterlogging not only creates unhygienic conditions but also hides the broken sections beneath the muddy surface, making it difficult for commuters to identify dangerous spots.
“Whenever it rains, the entire area gets waterlogged and the smell becomes unbearable,” a local shopkeeper told GPlus. “People cannot even stand outside their homes comfortably because drain water mixes with rainwater and remains stagnant for hours.”
Locals claimed that multiple minor accidents have already occurred because commuters fail to notice the damaged portions hidden beneath accumulated water.
“Once the road gets submerged, nobody can understand where the broken section actually is,” a resident told GPlus. “People assume it is normal road, but suddenly bikes lose balance or get stuck inside potholes and damaged portions under the water.”
Apart from the damaged road condition, residents also raised concerns over the lack of proper safety infrastructure around the exposed drain. Many questioned why the drain continues to remain open despite repeated concerns regarding uncovered drains and pedestrian safety across Guwahati.
“There are hardly any effective barricades here. This has become a major safety hazard for everyone using the road,” a local businessman told GPlus. “There have been repeated discussions about covering drains and improving civic infrastructure in Guwahati, but the reality on this road reflects complete negligence.”
Residents said Aloo Godown Road earlier served as a key relief route for commuters attempting to bypass heavy congestion in Athgaon. However, with the stretch now partially blocked and damaged, many commuters are being forced to take longer routes, while some residents claim they are unable to move vehicles out of their homes altogether.
“Earlier, this road helped reduce travel time whenever Athgaon traffic became heavy,” another resident told GPlus. “Now the condition is so bad that some residents cannot even take their own vehicles out properly.”
Several residents further alleged that vehicles parked inside residential compounds have remained stranded because of the damaged access road.
“Many families are facing daily inconvenience because their cars cannot move freely through this stretch,” a local resident told GPlus. “Others are forced to take long alternative routes just to reach the main road.”
Frustrated over the prolonged delay in repairs, some residents claimed they had to carry out temporary restoration work themselves using personal contributions to make a small portion of the road passable.
“We could not wait indefinitely for the authorities to act. Some residents collected money and repaired one small section temporarily,” a local youth told GPlus. “But maintaining and repairing public roads is not the responsibility of residents. That responsibility lies with the GMC.”
Residents also accused the civic body of poor drain maintenance practices. According to locals, even after desilting operations are conducted, the waste removed from drains is often left dumped beside the road for extended periods.
“The drains are not cleaned properly and even after cleaning, the waste is left lying near the roadside,” a resident alleged while speaking to GPlus. “Once it rains again, much of the same waste flows back into the drain.”
Speaking to GPlus regarding the issue, GMC Ward No. 15 Councillor Saurav Jhunjhunwala stated that the tender process for the project has already been completed and repair work is expected to begin soon.
“The tender process has been finalised and work related to covering the drains and repairing the road is expected to begin within the first week of June,” Jhunjhunwala told GPlus.
The councillor further stated that several nearby households have directly connected sewerage pipelines to the main drain, contributing to the unhygienic condition of the area.
“Some nearby residents have connected their sewerage lines directly to the main drain, which is also contributing to the problem,” he said.
Responding to concerns regarding public safety, the councillor added that warning signage has already been installed near the exposed drain.
“A danger sign has been placed near the open drain to avoid any untoward incident,” Jhunjhunwala said.
However, residents maintained that warning signs alone are insufficient and demanded immediate restoration of the damaged stretch before conditions worsen further during the monsoon season.
“We are tired of assurances and delays. What residents need now is immediate repair work before a major accident takes place,” a resident told GPlus. “Every passing day is increasing the risk for commuters, children, and elderly people.”
As Guwahati continues to face recurring issues related to drainage failure, waterlogging, delayed civic works, and deteriorating road infrastructure, the condition of Aloo Godown Road in Athgaon has once again highlighted the growing frustration among residents over prolonged civic neglect and its impact on daily life.
