Jorhat District Administration Plans Multi-Storied Parking Complex at Chowk Bazar to Ease Chronic Traffic Congestion

Jorhat, May 12 : In a major push to modernise urban infrastructure and permanently resolve severe traffic bottlenecks in the heart of Jorhat city, the Jorhat District Administration has taken a decisive step towards constructing a multi-storied parking facility at the bustling Chowk Bazar area.

A high-level meeting to finalise plans for this ambitious project was held on Tuesday at the office of the District Commissioner under the chairmanship of Jay Shivani, IAS, District Commissioner, Jorhat. The proposed multi-level parking complex is expected to bring much-needed relief to one of the city’s busiest commercial zones, which has long suffered from chaotic on-street parking, narrow roads and heavy vehicular movement leading to prolonged traffic jams.

Focus on Smooth Relocation and Minimal Disruption

The construction of the multi-storeyed parking facility is likely to impact several shops and business establishments in the Chowk Bazar area. In order to safeguard the interests and livelihoods of the affected traders, the district administration has decided to shift the impacted shopkeepers to a separate dedicated building for their rehabilitation.

The meeting primarily centred on ensuring a smooth and hassle-free relocation process along with the seamless execution of the entire construction project. Officials emphasised that the work should be carried out without causing any unnecessary disruption to daily business activities or public movement in this vital commercial hub.

District Commissioner Jay Shivani, IAS, directed all concerned departments to expedite the project while giving topmost priority to protecting the business community’s interests and ensuring maximum convenience for the general public and commuters. He instructed officials to maintain close coordination with stakeholders at every stage so that the development work proceeds in a time-bound and transparent manner.

Key Features of the Proposed Multi-Storied Parking Complex

The modern parking facility is designed to accommodate a large number of vehicles across multiple levels, thereby freeing up valuable road space currently occupied by haphazard parking. Once operational, the complex is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, enhance road safety and create a more organised commercial environment in the historic town of Jorhat.

This initiative is part of the district administration’s broader efforts to modernise civic amenities and address long-standing demands from citizens, traders and daily commuters for a permanent solution to traffic chaos in one of Upper Assam’s busiest market areas.

Officials Present at the Meeting

The important meeting was attended by Additional District Commissioner (Revenue), Senior officials from the Public Works Department (PWD – Buildings), Representatives from other departments directly associated with the project

Jorhat’s Broader Urban Mobility and Traffic Management Push

The Chowk Bazar multi-storied parking project is not an isolated effort. It forms part of a comprehensive urban mobility strategy that the Jorhat District Administration and the state government have been actively implementing in recent years. Jorhat, though not included in the core 100 Smart Cities Mission list, has witnessed several major infrastructure developments aligned with the goals of intelligent urban planning, traffic decongestion and sustainable development.

Major Flyover Projects Completed

Jorhat Medical College – Mission Hospital Flyover : A two-lane rail-over-bridge flyover connecting Jorhat Medical College and Hospital to Mission Hospital was inaugurated on April 2, 2025 by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Built at a cost of ₹78.27 crore with a total length of 581.20 metres, the project was executed jointly by the Assam government and the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). It has already started easing congestion on key arterial routes in the busy Kamarbandha road area, greatly benefiting students, medical professionals and general commuters.

Maniram Dewan–Piyali Barua Flyover (Baruah Chariali to Bhogdoi Bridge) : This major flyover on A.T. Road was inaugurated on March 11, 2026 by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Stretching approximately 1.27 kilometres (1,270 metres) and constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹178 crore, the flyover connects Baruah Chariali to the Bhogdoi Bridge area. Named after two prominent Assam freedom fighters — Maniram Dewan and Piyali Barua — the structure has significantly improved traffic movement along one of Jorhat’s busiest corridors and is already providing relief to daily commuters.

Road Widening and National Highway Improvements

Four-Laning of Jorhat-Jhanji Section of NH-37 : The ongoing four-laning work on the Jorhat to Jhanji stretch of National Highway-37 has achieved remarkable progress (over 95-97% physical completion as of mid-2025). This major highway upgradation is helping divert heavy traffic away from city roads and significantly improving overall connectivity between Jorhat and other parts of Upper Assam.

Historical Context of Parking Initiatives

Jorhat has faced persistent challenges with organised parking for over a decade. An earlier multi-storied car parking project near the old public bus stand on A.T. Road was conceptualised years ago with central funding of approximately ₹10.51 crore. Though the foundation stone was laid in 2013, the project faced prolonged delays. The current proposal for Chowk Bazar builds directly on these long-standing needs and lessons from past experiences, ensuring better planning and stakeholder consultation from the outset.

Long-Term Vision for a Commuter-Friendly Jorhat

Officials believe that the successful completion of the Chowk Bazar multi-storied parking complex, along with the recently completed flyover and highway projects, will bring lasting relief from daily traffic woes. These measures are expected to support Jorhat’s growth as a major commercial, educational and healthcare hub in Upper Assam while improving the overall quality of urban life for residents and visitors.

The district administration has assured all stakeholders — including traders, shopkeepers, residents and commuters — that the Chowk Bazar parking project and related traffic initiatives will be executed in a time-bound, transparent and people-centric manner. Active consultation with citizens and business groups will continue throughout the implementation phase to minimise inconvenience and maximise benefits.

This forward-looking approach reflects the commitment of the Jorhat District Administration under DC Shri Jay Shivani, IAS, to create a more organised, efficient and modern city infrastructure that keeps pace with the aspirations of a growing urban centre.

Once fully implemented, these projects are poised to transform Jorhat’s traffic landscape, reduce travel time, enhance road safety and contribute to the city’s sustainable development for years to come.

Jorhat moves forward — one well-planned infrastructure project at a time.