An NRI couple returned to India after 25 years in the US and revealed that traffic congestion is the biggest “deal breaker” discouraging many NRIs from relocating. While India offers cultural and family positives, poor commuting conditions remain a major deterrent, sparking debate on infrastructure and urban planning.
After spending 25 years in the United States, an Indian-origin couple has returned to India, only to discover that one everyday challenge overshadows the many positives of moving back — the chaotic traffic. Their candid revelation has ignited a wide-ranging conversation among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) considering retirement in their homeland.
Key highlights from the couple’s experience:
The couple, Naresh and his wife, shared their story on X (formerly Twitter), noting that while India offers cultural richness, family connections, and financial comfort, commuting conditions remain a major deterrent.
They emphasized that many of their NRI friends in the US are financially secure and eager to reconnect with their roots, but urban traffic chaos consistently surfaces as the single biggest obstacle.
The post quickly went viral, with thousands of responses ranging from agreement to suggestions for solutions like improved public transport and stricter traffic enforcement.
Analysts point out that this concern reflects a broader issue: India’s rapid urbanization has outpaced infrastructure development, making traffic congestion a persistent pain point in cities.
Despite the challenge, the couple acknowledged “so many positives” about life in India, including cultural vibrancy, family ties, and opportunities to contribute to the local economy.
This revelation highlights the complex trade-offs NRIs face when considering relocation. While emotional and cultural factors strongly pull them back, practical realities like traffic and infrastructure often push them away. The debate underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban planning to make India more attractive for returnees.
Sources: Livemint, Financial Express, Hindustan Times, NDTV