The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is facing sharp criticism after a 40-hour-long traffic jam on the Indore–Dewas stretch of the Agra–Mumbai National Highway led to the deaths of three people in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
NHAI’s Response Draws Anger
Rather than accepting responsibility, NHAI’s lawyer appeared to blame the public during a hearing in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. According to NDTV, the NHAI counsel remarked, “Why do people even leave home so early without any work?” This response came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
The court had summoned NHAI after the tragic deaths and the massive traffic jam. But instead of addressing the unfinished roadwork, the authority questioned the public’s travel choices.
High Court Issues Notices
The Indore bench of the high court, led by Justices Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar Dwivedi, issued legal notices to the Central government, NHAI, Indore police, and the district administration. The court has given all parties time until July 7 to respond.
Long Delays Despite Deadlines
The court reminded NHAI that it had ordered the completion of a diversion road back in September 2024, with a four-week deadline. But even by June 2025, the road remains unfinished.
NHAI told the court that a 10-day crusher unit strike delayed the project. However, the court pointed out that the authority had already asked for three to four months to complete the work last year. Despite that time, there was no visible progress.
Lives Lost in the Traffic Chaos
Because of the unfinished road, traffic piled up for nearly 40 hours. Three people died in the severe heat while stuck in the jam. The victims were:
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Kamal Panchal (62) from Indore – died of a heart attack, reportedly caused by heat and suffocation.
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Balram Patel (55) from Shujalpur – his family was rushing to get him medical help when he died during the traffic jam.
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Sandeep Patel (32) from Gari Pipalya – also died while waiting in the standstill traffic.
Public Outcry Grows
The court called the situation “shocking” and demanded accountability. It emphasized that such poor planning and delays had led to unnecessary deaths. The incident has sparked widespread anger over NHAI’s negligence and lack of urgency, especially when lives were at stake.
