Gurgaon has slum-like infra: Suhel Seth slams Millennium City's urban planning a ‘shame on the country'

Time of India

5 days ago

Author and entrepreneur Suhel Seth has criticised India's urban planning and infrastructure, especially in
Gurugram
, calling it an example of failed governance. Speaking on an ANI podcast, Seth questioned the quality of civil engineering in the country and said that despite housing some of India's wealthiest firms, Gurugram's infrastructure is 'slumlike'.
India still builds with a '1947 mindset'
Drawing a comparison with China, Seth recalled a visit with the British Airways advisory board to Beijing, before the Olympics. 'When we reached the airport, we saw 60 per cent of it shuttered. I asked why. They said it was planned for 2040. In India, we still build using 1947 thinking,' he said.
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Gurugram has big companies, but lacks basic planning
Seth pointed out that Gurugram is home to major companies such as Coca-Cola, EY,
Hero MotoCorp
, Apollo, Max, and
Fortis
. However, he said the city has 'slumlike' infrastructure and lacks basic civic facilities.
'It's bizarre. The richest people live in slumlike environments,' he said.
He also criticised how Gurugram developed, saying it did not come from a vision or planning framework. 'It didn't grow because of Hindustan Lever. It grew because GE and Genpact came in first for back-office operations. The city boomed around that, not planning.'
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'Worst civil engineers' and no use of technology
On the state of engineering in India, Seth said, 'We have the worst civil engineers in India. Absolutely. We've obliterated the use of technology in civil planning and infrastructure. We have no care.'
He blamed poor civic outcomes on a lack of accountability and planning, saying the approach to building cities in India is outdated and unscientific.
Delhi-NCR's flooding compared to 'two Venices'
In another remark aimed at Delhi-NCR, Seth posted on X that the region is the 'only place on the planet that can boast of two Venices side by side. Gurugram and Delhi.' He pointed to regular waterlogging, garbage, and lack of traffic infrastructure, adding that 'liquor vends outnumber working traffic lights in the city.'
'Every year, without government help, we create a Venice for people to enjoy,' he said during a panel hosted by The Indian Express, where he called Gurugram 'a shame on this country'.
Seth calls for reform and better leadership
Seth urged for a 'non-hostile takeover' to restore basic governance in Indian cities. He ended his remarks by saying, 'We've become a country of suffering and sufferers,' calling for forward-thinking leadership and a complete change in how cities are built and managed.