A group of residents and traders from Fancy Bazar met on March 23 to discuss ways to persuade the government to retain the Old Jail parking facility, amid plans to redevelop the site for a large infrastructure project in Guwahati.
Participants described the meeting as an initial step, with more discussions expected in the coming days to decide on a collective course of action.
Residents and traders in Fancy Bazar, Guwahati, have begun discussions to oppose the removal of the Old Jail parking facility, citing concerns over worsening traffic and business impact. The land is proposed to be redeveloped into a ₹700 crore hospital-cum-hotel project.
₹700 Crore Project Plan
According to reports, the project involves an investment of over ₹700 crore by Ambuja Neotia Group.
The proposed development includes:
- A 300-bed multi-speciality hospital
- A premium hotel with 200–250 rooms
- Development over 2.88 acres along Old Jail Road
The proposal has already received government approval, with construction likely to begin by the end of the year.
Why Traders Are Concerned
Fancy Bazar, being Guwahati’s primary wholesale and retail hub, already faces significant challenges:
- Narrow internal roads
- High daily footfall
- Constant vehicular movement
- Limited parking options
The Old Jail parking facility has long served as a key support system to manage this pressure.
Traders fear that its removal could lead to:
- Increased roadside parking
- Longer traffic delays
- Reduced accessibility for customers
- Impact on daily business activity
A Growing Urban Challenge
For many in Guwahati, what is currently a daily inconvenience could escalate into a larger urban issue if alternative parking solutions are not introduced.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between:
- Urban development projects
- Existing infrastructure limitations
- Commercial activity in dense market areas
Residents and traders argue that without proper planning, the loss of such a facility could significantly worsen congestion.
What Happens Next
The meeting on March 23 is expected to be followed by further consultations among stakeholders. Traders and residents may explore formal representations or appeals to the government in the coming days.
As the project moves forward, the focus will likely remain on whether alternative parking arrangements are introduced to offset the impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why are Fancy Bazar traders opposing the project?
They fear that removing the Old Jail parking facility will worsen congestion and affect business.
Q2. What is planned on the Old Jail site?
A ₹700 crore project including a hospital and a premium hotel.
Q3. When is construction expected to begin?
Construction is likely to start by the end of the year.