Guwahati supports 24-hour shops, but safety concerns arise

Guwahati is excited about a new plan allowing shops to operate 24 hours a day. Many believe this could boost the local economy. However, there are worries about safety and transportation for workers, especially women, who may work night shifts. Residents and shop owners support the idea but feel more preparation is needed. Currently, government and private buses stop running at 7 PM and 10 PM, respectively. People are asking for extended transportation hours to ensure safe travel at night. They believe that transport, safety, and employee welfare are closely linked issues. Amar Jyoti Das, a sales executive, praised the government's decision. He emphasized that employers must provide proper shift timings. He also urged the government to ensure safety for night travelers, especially for female employees working late hours. "All factors are connected," he said, highlighting the importance of transportation for the success of the initiative. City resident Jharna Pathak welcomed the 24-hour operation concept. She mentioned that it would relieve time constraints when shopping for essentials. However, she stressed the need for reliable night transportation. Pathak also called for enhanced security measures to maintain safety during late hours. Oli Lahon, who owns a bakery, shared her experience in adapting to late-night shopping trends. She keeps her shop open until 1 AM to serve night customers. Lahon noted that surrounding shops need to adjust their hours as well for the 24-hour operation to succeed. She is considering hiring more staff for extended hours, seeing potential benefits from this initiative.