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Air Fighters Win Hearts, But Traffic Management Fails Miserably
- rudrajeetlaskar
- Nov 9
- 2 min read
On 9 November 2025, the skies above Lachit Ghat in Guwahati were set ablaze in a dazzling display by the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of the 93rd Air Force Day celebrations. More than 75 aircraft — including frontline fighters, transport planes and helicopters — participated, taking off from bases like Bagdogra, Hashimara, Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat and Chabua. The theme for the event, “Infallible, Impervious and Precise,” reflected the IAF’s commitment to operational excellence. Spectators along both banks of the Brahmaputra River were treated to breath taking formations, aerial acrobatics and sonic booms that left the crowd in awe.
Why It Resonated
The air show, held for the first time at such scale in Northeast India, brought the thrill of aviation to thousands who had never witnessed it live.
The choice of Lachit Ghat — with the mighty Brahmaputra as backdrop — turned the event into a visual masterpiece.
A special flying display for students and NCC cadets ahead of the main event inspired a new generation of aviation enthusiasts.
The air show truly struck an emotional chord — a symbol of pride, precision and national unity.
Traffic & Logistics: Where It Fell Short
However, while the skies soared, the roads struggled. The event drew massive crowds and VIP movements, and despite detailed traffic advisories issued by Guwahati Traffic Police, the city witnessed unprecedented congestion.
Authorities had earlier declared Fancy Bazar, Panbazar and Lachit Ghat as no-entry zones during show hours, restricting private vehicles and commercial traffic. Yet, as the day unfolded, these restrictions were loosely enforced. Vehicles — including private cars and VIP convoys — were eventually allowed to enter the restricted zones, creating bottlenecks around the riverfront.
When the show concluded, chaos unfolded as VIP vehicles and the general public exited simultaneously from the event venue. The convergence led to complete gridlock in and around Lachit Ghat, Panbazar and M.G. Road. Many attendees were stranded for over an hour, describing the scene as “a traffic nightmare right after a dream in the sky.”
The earlier advisories had mentioned road diversions, restricted parking, and a ban on heavy vehicles across major city arteries. Ferry services between Guwahati and North Guwahati were also suspended for safety reasons. Yet, the on-ground execution failed to match the meticulous aerial precision displayed by the IAF.
What This Means
The juxtaposition is stark:
In the air, a flawless demonstration of discipline and excellence.
On the ground, confusion, poor enforcement, and coordination lapses.
Future editions could draw lessons from this year’s logistical missteps. Improved spectator flow planning, dedicated VIP exit routes, real-time traffic control, and better coordination between civic and police departments could ensure that the next air show flies smoothly — both in the skies and on the streets.
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