The Impact of the Jalukbari Flyover

Improving Traffic and Business: The Impact of the Jalukbari Flyover

Parimita Mahanta

The Jalukbari Flyover, located in Guwahati, Assam, was inaugurated on December 28, 2019. This crucial infrastructure project spans the busy intersection where National Highway 27 (NH-27) and National Highway 17 (NH-17) converge, linking the areas of Jalukbari, Maligaon, and Adabari.

Its primary purpose is to ease traffic congestion and improve travel between these areas. This flyover was part of a broader plan to modernize the city’s transportation network and accommodate the growing traffic demands of the region.

The project aimed to not only facilitate smoother commutes but also to support the city’s economic growth by improving connectivity and reducing transportation-related delays.

The Impact of the Jalukbari Flyover — Image: Parimita Mahanta

Before the flyover was built, local shopkeepers and long-time bus drivers who frequently traveled through the area recall the challenges they faced. Traffic jams were common, causing long delays that made travel frustrating and time-consuming for both locals and travelers. The intersection of NH-27 and NH-17 was particularly notorious for its heavy traffic, which also affected surrounding neighborhoods.

Finding a parking spot was a significant problem due to the limited spaces available, leading to even more congestion. Additionally, street vendors occupied much of the footpaths, obstructing pedestrian movement and worsening the overall chaos. The lack of a designated market area meant these vendors crowded the footpaths, adding to the disorder.

This situation made daily life difficult, causing delays for commuters and making it hard for shopkeepers to attract customers. The community’s struggle highlighted the urgent need for effective urban planning to address these issues. The constant congestion not only impacted the efficiency of daily travel but also posed safety risks and contributed to environmental pollution, making the need for the flyover even more pressing.

Since the flyover’s construction, travel between Maligaon and Adabari has greatly improved. The elevated route avoids the previously congested intersection, making travel faster and reducing the area’s usual traffic jams. The smoother traffic flow has made daily commutes quicker and less stressful, positively impacting public transportation by making bus trips more predictable.

The flyover has also enhanced safety for both drivers and pedestrians by lowering the risk of accidents. Improved traffic conditions have led to less pollution, benefiting the environment. Additionally, the local economy has benefited from increased foot traffic to businesses, resulting in higher sales and economic growth. The flyover has also contributed to the region’s development by encouraging further investment and infrastructure improvements.

The reduction in travel time and the alleviation of congestion have made the area more attractive to investors, leading to new business opportunities and job creation. Overall, the flyover has improved residents’ quality of life, stimulated economic activity, and contributed to regional development, making a significant positive impact on the community.

The overall enhancement in connectivity has also fostered a greater sense of community, as residents can travel more easily to visit family and friends or participate in local events.

However, local shopkeepers, long-time bus drivers, and residents who lived in the area before the flyover’s inauguration are calling for further improvements. They want better parking facilities to address the ongoing shortage of parking spaces. Improved parking would reduce congestion and make it easier for visitors to access local shops, helping businesses. Footpath shops continue to cause problems by blocking pedestrian spaces and adding to congestion.

To address these issues, local shopkeepers and residents are requesting the government to establish a designated market area, similar to the GMC market, to relocate footpath vendors and clear walkways. The community believes that these changes, including better parking, would enhance the flyover’s benefits, make the area more functional, and improve quality of life.

Local authorities are urged to address these concerns and implement the necessary changes to build on the flyover’s success and further enhance the urban landscape. With these additional measures, the flyover’s positive impact can be fully realized, leading to a more organized and thriving community.

The ongoing dialogue between the community and local authorities highlights the importance of continual urban development and the need to adapt infrastructure projects to meet the evolving needs of the population.

These efforts, if realized, could serve as a model for other urban areas facing similar challenges, demonstrating how thoughtful planning and community engagement can lead to sustainable and effective urban development.

28-07-2024

Parimita mahanta is a student of Communication & Journalism, Gauhati University

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