The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) faced harsh criticism after a 40-hour traffic jam on the Indore–Dewas stretch of the Agra–Mumbai National Highway claimed three lives. However, instead of accepting responsibility, the NHAI appeared to shift the blame onto the public.

NHAI’s Response Sparks Outrage

According to an NDTV report, during a hearing in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, NHAI’s legal counsel asked, “Why do people even leave home so early without any work?” This remark came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed after the deadly traffic jam. The court had earlier issued notices to the central government, NHAI, the Indore administration, and the police.

High Court’s Frustration Over Incomplete Roadwork

Justices Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar Dwivedi of the Indore bench issued the notice following the incident. They expressed frustration that the diversion road, which was supposed to be completed within four weeks after a September 2024 directive, remained unfinished even in June 2025.

The NHAI had blamed the delay on a 10-day strike at a crusher unit. However, the court pointed out that the agency had already asked for three to four months to complete the project—far more time than the strike lasted.

Lives Lost Due to Road Negligence

Due to the incomplete roadwork, vehicles were stuck in a massive 40-hour jam. Three people died during the gridlock:

• Kamal Panchal (62) from Indore reportedly suffered a heart attack caused by heat and suffocation.

• Balram Patel (55) from Shujalpur died while his family tried to get him medical help.

• Sandeep Patel (32) from Gari Pipalya village also lost his life.

Court Seeks Answers by July 7

The High Court has asked all concerned parties to submit their responses by July 7. The court’s notice is part of growing pressure on NHAI and the administration to answer for the delay in construction and its deadly consequences.