Survey Report on the Impact of Nilachal Flyover, Guwahati

Survey Report on the Impact of Nilachal Flyover, Guwahati

Angela Chakraborty

Summary: A survey was conducted among shop owners under the Nilachal flyover to assess the impact of the construction of the flyover on their businesses as well as commotion of vehicles.

However, the construction of the flyover has significantly decreased the traffic congestion occurring in that area, improving the traffic flow.

Introduction: The Nilachal flyover, the longest flyover in Assam, was constructed to reduce the traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the region. It was inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 30, 2023. This four-lane flyover connects Maligaon Chariali to Kamakhya Gate in the city, further enhancing transportation.

The Nilachal Flyover stretches 2.63 kilometres. This infrastructure was successfully constructed at a total cost of ₹420.75 crore within a 35-month timeline, with collaborative efforts from Shree Gautam Construction Co Ltd and Anupam Nirman Pvt Ltd.

While the flyover has achieved its intended purpose, concerns have been raised about its impact on local businesses. This survey aimed to understand the effects of the flyover on shops under the structure, current traffic conditions and the flood situation in the area.

Methodology: A total of 9 shops under the Nilachal flyover were surveyed, representing a mix of retail, wholesale, food, clothing, etc. Shop owners were interviewed, and their responses were recorded.

Findings:

1. Impact on Business:

– 90% of the respondents reported a decline in sales since the inauguration of the flyover.

– Most of them emphasized that this decline has occurred due to reduced commotion of vehicles, as commuters prefer to use the flyover.

– Some cited depressed market and increased competition as an additional factor.

– A few of the shops are about to shut down due to significant business losses.

2. Traffic Congestion:

– Almost all of the respondents agreed that the flyover has reduced traffic congestion occurring in the area.

– A few of them also stated that their commute to the railway station and the airport used to be quite lengthy because of the traffic congestion. However, now it hardly takes them 20 mins to reach their destination.

– Most of them cited this reduction in vehicle congestion as the major factor for their decline in sales.

3. Flooding

– Majority of the respondents agreed that the area is not flood-prone.

– One of them reported that flash flood occurs sporadically, but recede quickly without causing any damage.

4. Suggestions for Improvement:

– Nearly all of the respondents recommended promotional initiatives to attract customers to the area.

– Mr. Prashan Agarwala of Shree Ganesh Hardware suggested installing toll gates on the flyover, reasoning that since it was built to facilitate smooth travel to the airport and people who can afford air tickets can also pay the toll. This would encourage those who cannot afford the toll to use the route beneath the flyover, thereby regaining their customer base.

Conclusion: While the Nilachal flyover has successfully reduced the traffic congestion that was once a major issue, it has negatively impacted the local businesses beneath it. Shop owners and vendors under the flyover are facing significant losses as vehicles prefer to take the flyover for smoother travel, instead of passing through the area beneath it. To mitigate this issue, concerned authorities should consider taking measures to encourage commercial activity and support local businesses.

Recommendations:

1. Implement rent control measures to prevent excessive rent increases.

2. Offer tax reductions for businesses operating in the area.

3. Promotional initiatives to attract customers.

4. Regular monitoring of the impact on local businesses.

Angela Chakraborty is a student of Communication & Journalism Department, Gauhati University

28-07-2024

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