A severe shortage of city buses disrupted daily life across Guwahati on April 8, as hundreds of vehicles were diverted for election duty ahead of polling. Commuters across key areas were left waiting for hours, with many forced to rely on costlier alternatives like autos and app-based cabs.
The situation was reported across major transit points, including Khanapara, Basistha, and Jalukbari, where bus stops remained largely empty during peak hours.
Guwahati commuters faced major disruption on April 8 as over 400 city buses were diverted for election duty. Bus stops across areas like Khanapara, Basistha, and Jalukbari saw long queues and no services, forcing passengers to rely on expensive alternatives.
Long Queues, No Buses Across the City
Commuters in multiple parts of Guwahati reported similar conditions:
- Bus stops remained deserted for long durations
- Passengers waited for over an hour without service
- Peak-hour travel turned uncertain across routes
The disruption was particularly visible in:
- Khanapara
- Basistha
- Jalukbari
Commuters Struggle with Delays and Rising Costs
Many passengers shared concerns over delays and increased travel expenses.
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.
At Basistha, office-goers reported similar challenges. Pranjal Kalita, a private employee, said, “Every day I take a bus to reach the office, but today there is nothing. Autos are charging double. How are we supposed to manage like this?”
Jalukbari Sees Heavy Impact
Jalukbari, one of Guwahati’s busiest transit hubs, also witnessed heavy commuter distress.
Passengers reported:
- Lack of alternative public transport options
- Increased dependence on autos and cabs
- Repeated disruptions during election periods
One commuter noted that such issues are not new and often occur during elections due to resource diversion.
Over 400 Buses Diverted for Election Duty
Officials confirmed that the disruption is linked to election-related logistics.
According to the All Assam Bus Association:
- More than 400 buses have been requisitioned
- Vehicles have been diverted from regular city routes
- The large-scale deployment has significantly reduced availability
An official stated that the single-phase election has increased the demand for transport resources, making such disruptions difficult to avoid.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
The situation highlights key concerns:
- Dependence on buses as a primary mode of transport
- Lack of contingency planning during large-scale events
- Impact on students, office-goers, and daily wage earners
Urban mobility remains a critical issue during election periods.
What Happens Next
- Bus services are expected to normalise after polling concludes
- Authorities may review transport arrangements for future elections
- Commuters may continue facing delays until vehicles return to regular routes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are buses not available in Guwahati today?
Over 400 buses have been diverted for election duty, reducing the number of vehicles available for regular city routes.
Which areas are most affected by the bus shortage?
Major areas like Khanapara, Basistha, and Jalukbari have reported significant disruption and long waiting times.