“Implementing a drainage system akin to the one in Hong Kong, even with its origins dating back to the 1960s, would indeed be a transformative dream for Guwahati in 2024. Hong Kong's highly efficient and advanced drainage system is a marvel of engineering, capable of managing heavy rainfall and minimizing the risk of flooding even in densely populated urban areas.

In contrast, Guwahati grapples with frequent flooding during the monsoon season, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. The city's current drainage infrastructure is inadequate to cope with the rapid pace of urbanization and the increasing intensity of rainfall events exacerbated by climate change.”

It is crucial to shed light on the key challenges that impede its progress. While the city holds immense potential as a strategic hub in Northeast India, there are critical areas that require urgent attention and concerted efforts from visionary leadership to bridge the existing gaps.

One of the primary advantages Guwahati possesses is its proximity to Southeast Asian countries. However, this advantage remains largely untapped due to inadequate infrastructure and connectivity. Despite its potential to serve as a major airport hub, Guwahati's aviation facilities are yet to meet international standards. Similarly, road and waterway networks require significant improvements to facilitate seamless trade and travel with neighboring nations.

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Moreover, the peripheral areas of the city suffer from neglect and lack of planned development. Basic amenities and infrastructure are sorely lacking in these regions, hindering inclusive growth and exacerbating urban-rural disparities. Addressing this imbalance requires a comprehensive approach to urban planning and investment in essential services.

While entrepreneurship holds promise as a catalyst for economic growth, Guwahati's startup ecosystem faces numerous challenges. Access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities remains limited, stifling the potential of budding entrepreneurs. Efforts to support and nurture entrepreneurial ventures are essential to unlock the city's innovation potential and stimulate job creation.

Where rest of the nation has a burgeoning IT industry, the city has none, the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for multinational corporations (MNCs) has been slow. Regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic red tape impede investment and hinder the city's ability to attract global tech giants. Streamlining processes and offering incentives are imperative to position Guwahati as a competitive destination for international businesses.

Furthermore, the city's infrastructure is woefully inadequate and lacks futuristic and sustainable solutions. Inadequate transportation networks, insufficient utilities, and environmental degradation pose significant challenges to Guwahati's development. Addressing these issues requires visionary leadership and long-term planning to ensure infrastructure development aligns with the city's future needs and sustainability goals.

In promoting multiculturalism and inclusivity, Guwahati has made strides, but there is still much work to be done. Syndicate-based practices and favoritism persist in both government and private sectors, undermining meritocracy and perpetuating inequalities. Creating a level playing field and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability are essential to ensure equitable opportunities for all.

Guwahati's journey towards global city status is fraught with challenges, it is not insurmountable. Its path to becoming a global city faces a significant hurdle with current leadership more focused on superficial matters than addressing fundamental issues. Without visionary leadership dedicated to tackling challenges like infrastructure, transportation, and governance, the city's aspirations remain distant. Citizens must demand accountability and advocate for change to ensure Guwahati's progress towards a brighter future.