Commuters across Guwahati faced major disruption on April 8 as a large number of city buses were diverted for election duty ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls. With fewer buses on the roads, several bus stops across the city remained nearly empty, leaving passengers waiting for hours.
The situation was especially visible in key areas like Khanapara, Basistha, and Jalukbari, where long queues formed as people struggled to find transport during peak hours.
A shortage of city buses in Guwahati on April 8, due to vehicles being deployed for election duty, led to long delays and fare hikes. Commuters across areas like Khanapara, Basistha, and Jalukbari waited for hours, with many forced to rely on expensive alternatives ahead of polling day.
Major Disruptions Across Guwahati
The impact of the bus shortage was felt across multiple parts of the city:
- Khanapara: Students and daily commuters left waiting for over an hour
- Basistha: Office-goers struggled to find transport during peak time
- Jalukbari: One of the busiest transit points saw a heavy commuter buildup
Bus stops in these areas appeared unusually deserted despite high demand.
Commuters Face Delays and Uncertainty
Passengers reported extended waiting times and uncertainty over travel.
Rituparna Das, a college student at Khanapara, said she had been waiting for more than an hour.
“Usually, I get a bus within 15–20 minutes. I have an exam today, but I don’t know if I will arrive on time,” she said.
Similar concerns were echoed by commuters across the city as routine travel schedules were disrupted.
Fare Surge Adds to Commuter Stress
With buses unavailable, many turned to autos and app-based cabs.
This led to:
- Sharp increase in fares
- Routes that normally cost ₹30 rising to nearly ₹100
- Limited availability of affordable alternatives
The sudden price surge added financial strain, especially for daily commuters.
Election Duty Behind Bus Shortage
The disruption is linked to the deployment of buses for election-related logistics.
- A significant number of buses have been requisitioned for poll duty
- Vehicles are being used for transporting polling personnel and materials
- Reduced fleet availability has affected regular city services
The situation intensified as people began travelling ahead of polling day.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
The incident highlights key urban challenges:
- Dependence on buses for daily commuting
- Lack of backup transport planning during large-scale events
- Impact on students, workers, and time-sensitive travel
Guwahati’s mobility system faces added pressure during elections.
What Happens Next
- Bus services are expected to improve after polling concludes
- Authorities may review transport arrangements for future elections
- Commuters may continue facing delays until normal services resume
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are buses not available in Guwahati today?
Many city buses have been deployed for election duty, reducing availability for regular routes.
How much have fares increased due to the shortage?
Commuters reported fares rising from around ₹30 to nearly ₹100 in some cases due to limited transport options.