Guwahatis Hatigaon Bypass Road Remains Unfinished After Years
Guwahati’s urban development agenda is facing a stark reality check in the residential enclave of Seuji Path, Hatigaon, where residents have been awaiting the repair of a critical 100-metre road for over five decades. This long-standing civic failure highlights a systemic disconnect between administrative intent and on-the-ground execution, creating an environment that is neither equitable nor safe for its inhabitants. The unpaved lane, which turns into a treacherous stretch of slush and mud during the rainy season, stands as a symbol of neglected infrastructure that directly impacts the city’s most vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children. The inability to provide basic amenities in a timely manner undermines the very principles of building a modern, inclusive, and gender-neutral urban landscape.
The predicament of Seuji Path residents is a narrative of bureaucratic paralysis. Despite a series of appeals and a direct intervention from a Union Minister in 2021 that led to the state’s Chief Minister directing the Public Works Department (PWD) to act, the project remains in a state of limbo. An official at the time confirmed that an estimate was prepared and the work was allotted to a contractor. However, the subsequent years have seen no progress, with work stalled before it even began. According to a PWD official, the reason is a familiar one: “The estimates have not been sanctioned. The government has not provided any money.” This financial bottleneck has effectively rendered the residents’ pleas and the government’s initial actions moot, leaving the community to contend with a perilous road that hinders daily life.
The human-centric impact of this neglect is palpable. Residents speak of the constant danger posed to their elderly family members, for whom navigating the slippery path is a daily risk. Children, too, are susceptible to falls and injuries, making simple acts like leaving the house a challenge. Beyond the personal safety risks, the poor road condition has significant implications for public services, as it impedes the entry of emergency vehicles. This not only puts lives at risk but also contributes to a less sustainable urban model. When basic infrastructure is lacking, communities are often forced to rely on less efficient and more polluting modes of transport, thereby contributing to higher carbon emissions.
The ongoing issue in Seuji Path is a microcosm of a larger challenge facing urban governance in Guwahati and other rapidly growing cities across India. It highlights the urgent need for a more transparent and accountable system for allocating and disbursing funds for essential public works. While grand infrastructure projects garner headlines, the long-term sustainability and livability of a city are determined by the quality of its basic amenities, such as roads. The Seuji Path situation is a powerful reminder that an equitable city cannot be built on promises alone; it requires consistent funding, administrative resolve, and a genuine commitment to serving every one of its citizens, especially those in the forgotten corners of the urban landscape. The residents of Hatigaon have done their part by raising their voices; now it is up to the authorities to bridge the gap between promises and tangible action.
