‘We’ve become a country of sufferers’: Suhel Seth slams Delhi NCR’s civic chaos and planning failures

Author and businessman Sohil Seth has launched a scathing critique of governance, infrastructure and urban planning in Delhi-NCR, calling the region a “national embarrassment” and accusing the authorities of apathy and incompetence.

In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Seth wrote, “It is an absolute shame that Delhi has such pathetic governance in terms of traffic and maintenance. When mayors are busy sweeping the streets and swimming in the river, this is what happens. As for the police: I don’t think they exist anymore. Unless they are as invisible as Mr. India.”

His comments, which reflect the frustration felt by countless city residents, come amid growing criticism of the NCR city’s urban decline – characterized by dilapidated roads, endless traffic jams and frequent waterlogging.

Speaking earlier on that I In the podcast, Seth expanded his criticism, declaring that civil engineering and planning in India are among the worst in the world.

“We have eliminated the use of technology in infrastructure. We have no interest,” he said, describing Gurugram – home to major companies such as Coca-Cola, EY, Hiromoto Corp, Apollo, Max and Fortis – as a city of stark contrasts where the wealthy live amid “slum-like” conditions.

Seth argued that Gurugram’s rise was driven not by planning but by corporate happenstance. “It didn’t grow because of Hindustan Lever. It grew because GE and Genpact came first in back-office operations. The city thrived because of that, not planning.”,“Note.

Drawing a sharp comparison with China’s long-term infrastructure vision, Seth pointed to his visit to Beijing as part of the British Airways advisory board. “When we arrived at the airport, 60% of it was closed. They said it was planned for 2040. In India, we are still building using 1947 thinking.“,” He said.

This is not Seth’s first public rebuke of civic failings in the D.C. area. He had previously mocked chronic floods in Delhi and the NCR, quipping that it was “the only place on the planet that can boast of having two Venetian cities side by side – Gurugram and Delhi”. On another occasion, he called Gurugram a “disgrace to this country”, citing the irony that there are more liquor shops than functioning traffic lights and piles of garbage adjacent to luxury apartments.

Seth concluded by urging a “non-hostile takeover” of civilian systems to restore governance and accountability. “We have become a country of agony and suffering,” he said, calling for decisive leadership and a complete reimagining of how India builds and maintains its cities.

His remarks sparked strong reactions online, with many residents agreeing that the deteriorating infrastructure in Delhi and the National Capital Region reflects a deeper governance crisis.