Guwahati: Dwindling Traffic Vigilance in City Sparks Safety Concerns ahead of Rongali Bihu

Staff reporterGuwahati: With Rongali Bihu, the most vibrant and eagerly awaited festival in Assam, just days away, Guwahati is gearing up for grand celebrations. However, amid the preparations and anticipation, an undercurrent of concern is growing among city residents: the noticeable dip in traffic policing and road safety enforcement, particularly during weekends and festive occasions.In recent years, Guwahati’s roads during festivals were characterized by heightened vigilance, with police checkpoints, breathalyzer tests, and regular night patrols acting as deterrents against reckless driving and intoxicated driving. Today, that visible presence has dwindled, leaving many residents worried about the potential consequences.“There was a time when police personnel lined the streets every night,” recalled a local resident. “You could see them checking vehicles and conducting breathalyzer tests, especially during festivals. That kind of presence really helped in curbing reckless behaviour...