A US-returned tech professional is struggling to adjust to life in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, citing poor infrastructure, air pollution, and traffic chaos. His social media post has sparked debate about urban living standards in India.
The techie, who spent ten years in the United States—earning a master’s degree and working with Fortune 500 companies for eight years—was laid off in 2024 during a company-wide restructuring. The timing coincided with the end of his six-year H-1B visa, and his green card application was revoked. Alongside 300 others, he was forced to return to India in January 2024.
Infrastructure and pollution woes
In his post, he expressed deep frustration with India’s urban infrastructure. “Really bad roads. Potholes galore. Nobody cares about fixing the roads,” he wrote. He added that the infrastructure is inadequate to support a population of 1.4 billion.
He also highlighted ongoing construction as a persistent issue: “Half the roads are dug up forever due to construction work, which neither has a beginning nor an end.” Even in a gated community in Hyderabad, he said maintenance issues persisted, such as malfunctioning showers and unresponsive staff.
Air quality was another major concern. “Polluted air. Serious problem. I’ve been suffering from chest congestion due to contaminants in the air,” he wrote, also citing “filthy white dust everywhere” that affects the lungs and eyes.
Chaotic driving and lack of civic sense among people
The post sharply criticised traffic conditions and public behavior in Indian cities. “People drive like animals. Who gives a damn about traffic signals? They’ll drive on both sides of the road or go over dividers,” he said.
He also noted rampant littering and public urination, pointing to a broader issue of civic apathy. “Have garbage in your car? Just open the window and throw it out. Feel like peeing? Just do it on the street. No need for a toilet.”
Summing up his disillusionment, he wrote: “Never have I seen such a glaring lack of civic sense. I’m dying and devastated by this place.”