Tue Jul 01 13:57:11 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**NHAI Official’s Insensitive Remark Sparks Outrage After Deadly Traffic Jam**

Indore, India – The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is facing severe criticism following a 40-hour traffic jam on the Indore-Dewas highway that resulted in three deaths. The gridlock, which trapped over 4,000 vehicles, prompted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, but it was a remark made by NHAI’s lawyer during the hearing that ignited public fury.

In response to questions about the massive traffic jam, the NHAI lawyer questioned “Why do people even leave home so early without any work?” This statement, deemed insensitive and cruel by many, particularly the families of the deceased, has drawn widespread condemnation.

The traffic jam, which began on Friday, stretched for approximately 8 kilometers. Among the victims were Kamal Panchal (62), who died of a heart attack after being stuck in the heat, and Balram Patel (55) and Sandeep Patel (32).

“We were on the road trying to save a life – my uncle’s,” said Sumit Patel, Balram’s nephew, expressing his outrage.

The PIL was filed by advocate Anand Adhikari, who himself was caught in the traffic. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has made multiple agencies, including NHAI, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and local authorities, party to the case. The court questioned the delay in completing a diversion road, which was ordered to be finished within four weeks back in September but remains unfinished.

NHAI attributed the delay to a crusher unit strike, a justification that the court found unconvincing. Senior Advocate Girish Patwardhan stated that the High Court has directed all parties to submit their replies within one week.

Indore Collector Ashish Singh, after a field inspection, stated that a service road constructed by NHAI was too weak to handle heavy traffic, causing it to collapse and exacerbate the jam.

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for July 7, demanding written responses from all parties. The court also rejected NHAI’s argument about people traveling without reason, stating that it was unacceptable and would imply that citizens could not safely leave their homes.

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