Gurugram’s Infrastructure Crisis: A Sharp Critique by Suhel Seth

Gurugram, despite being home to some of India’s wealthiest enterprises, is described as having “slumlike” infrastructure. Author and entrepreneur Suhel Seth expresses a direct critique regarding the country’s civil engineering standards, referring to them as “the worst.” This statement was made during a podcast with ANI, where Seth did not shy away from voicing his concerns.

Critique of Civil Engineering in India

According to Seth, India’s civil engineers have severely underperformed. He maintains that technology has been largely disregarded within civil planning and infrastructure, indicating an alarming lack of concern for progress and innovation.

A Comparative Insight with China

Seth contrasted India’s approach with that of China, recalling an experience with the British Airways advisory board during a trip to Beijing before the Olympics. He noticed a significant portion of the airport was already being developed, planned for completion in 2040, in stark contrast to India, which he argues still relies on outdated planning methodologies established in 1947.

Focus on Gurugram: A City of Contrasts

Seth specifically targeted Gurugram as a representation of the failures in India’s infrastructure. He pointed out that major corporations such as Coca-Cola, EY, Hero MotoCorp, Apollo, Max, and Fortis have their headquarters there. Yet, the city fundamentally lacks even the most basic infrastructure features. Seth describes it as surreal that some of the wealthiest individuals live in poorly constructed environments.

The Myths Surrounding Gurugram’s Growth

He criticized the narrative surrounding Gurugram’s development, claiming it did not arise from strategic government policy but rather from corporate growth and back-office operations initiated by GE and Genpact. The city’s rise was not a result of urban planning but rather a corporate spillover.

Ongoing Criticism of the NCR

This is not the first time Seth has directed criticism at the National Capital Region (NCR). In a recent post on X, he humorously commented on the persistent flooding issues in the area, likening it to “two Venices” existing next to each other—Gurugram and Delhi. He branded Gurugram as “a shame on this country” during a discussion panel hosted by The Indian Express.

The Reality of Urban Living in Gurugram

Seth elaborated on the living conditions in Gurugram, alluding to the annual flooding faced by residents. He remarked that the city often resembles a waterlogged paradise without any governmental assistance during these events. He pointed to striking issues like rubbish accumulation and the disturbing fact that liquor shops outnumber functioning traffic signals in the city.

The Call for Action

Seth proposed a “non-hostile takeover” aimed at reinforcing basic governance and accountability within Gurugram. He lamented that India has turned into “a country of suffering and sufferers,” urging for innovative leadership and a crucial renovation of urban planning in the nation.