1.Potholes near NHAI office spark blamegame, video goes viral

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A video showing potholes on a road allegedly located right outside the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) headquarters has gone viral, with social media users cracking up on the irony of the situation.

As the video of the poor road conditions outside the country’s top highways authority triggered an avalanche of memes and jokes, the NHAI reacted swiftly and blamed the Public Works Department (PWD) for it.

“Even the road near the NHAI Headquarters has potholes,” the caption of the video read.

Responding to it, the NHAI, which comes under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, deflected the blame to the PWD and urged citizens to stop spreading misleading information.

“NHAI would like to inform that the said stretch is not located in front of NHAI HQ and does not fall under NHAI’s jurisdiction. It is currently maintained by the Delhi PWD. Kindly refrain from spreading misleading information,” the official handle of NHAI posted on X.

PWD REACTS, NHAI FACES FLAK

The PWD reacted to the NHAI’s post, saying a complaint had been registered. “Your complaint no. is PWD/2025/07/521844,” the PWD tweeted.

However, the blame game only added to the public’s frustration, with several social media users accusing the NHAI of being more concerned with jurisdiction than attempting to fix the “crater-sized” issue. Several also complained of similar pothole-filled roads in their own respective states.

The AAP was quick to slam the NHAI. “When even the National Highways Authority of India can’t get a smooth road outside its own office. Should we laugh, cry, or just float in a pothole?” the AAP said.

“Even NHAI didn’t test the quality of road laid in their nearest vicinity,” one user commented. Another posted, “Blame others with zero accountability and never take responsibility”.

Potholes Near NHAI Office Spark Blame Game, Video Goes Viral

In a striking irony, potholes right outside the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) office have become the center of public outrage, exposing the gap between road-building promises and ground reality. A viral video showing commuters struggling to navigate craters near the office has not only embarrassed authorities but also sparked a blame game among agencies. Citizens, activists, and opposition leaders have seized the moment to highlight what they see as a deeper problem in India’s infrastructure management.


The Viral Video That Triggered Debate

The incident came into the spotlight when a passerby filmed vehicles bouncing and swerving dangerously on the damaged stretch. Within hours, the clip circulated across social media platforms, racking up thousands of views and triggering sharp criticism. Many users pointed out the irony: if the very office responsible for ensuring quality highways cannot maintain the road in its own vicinity, what does that say about conditions elsewhere?

Memes, sarcastic comments, and angry posts soon followed, making the potholes more than a local inconvenience—they became a symbol of systemic inefficiency.


Agencies Pass the Buck

Soon after the outrage, a familiar pattern emerged. Local municipal authorities argued that the stretch fell under the jurisdiction of NHAI. NHAI officials, in turn, claimed that maintenance contracts had been outsourced and contractors were responsible. Contractors blamed heavy rainfall and overuse by heavy vehicles.

This passing of responsibility only fueled public anger. Citizens argued that constant deflection is the reason problems like potholes never get resolved. The viral video became a rallying point for demanding accountability.


Safety Concerns for Commuters

While potholes are often dismissed as minor inconveniences, road safety experts point out that they can be deadly. Sudden swerves to avoid potholes often cause accidents, especially for two-wheelers. The stretch outside the NHAI office is a busy one, and locals say several near-misses have already occurred.

Activists emphasized that the issue should not be reduced to an embarrassing viral moment but treated as a serious safety concern. They also demanded stricter monitoring of contractors to ensure quality work.


Political Angle and Public Pressure

As expected, opposition parties wasted no time in latching onto the issue. Leaders questioned how the government could boast of highway expansion projects when potholes plagued even the road outside its own office. Hashtags like #PotholePolitics  trended on Twitter (X), amplifying the debate.

Under mounting pressure, both NHAI and the municipal corporation announced temporary repair work. However, locals argue that patchwork solutions won’t last and that the root cause—poor planning, substandard materials, and lack of accountability—must be addressed.


The Larger Picture

The potholes outside the  office serve as a microcosm of India’s broader infrastructure challenges. Despite significant progress in highway expansion, the gap between construction and maintenance remains glaring. Experts believe a shift in focus is required: instead of announcing new projects, authorities must prioritize long-term durability, regular inspections, and transparent contractor evaluations.


Conclusion

The viral video of potholes near the  office is more than just an embarrassing incident—it is a wake-up call. It highlights how infrastructure, no matter how ambitious on paper, loses meaning if the basics aren’t maintained. Unless accountability replaces the blame game, potholes will continue to symbolize the cracks in India’s infrastructure dreams.

– Ends

Published By:

Abhishek De

Published On:

Jul 31, 2025

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