A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) named Naresh, who recently moved back to India with his wife after living in the US for 25 years, has sparked a debate on social media about why many NRIs hesitate to return to India. Naresh shared his experience, saying that while there are many positives to living in India—like affordable healthcare and family support—the biggest issue holding many back is the country’s poor traffic conditions.
In his post, Naresh mentioned that a number of his friends in the US are considering returning to India for retirement. However, the chaotic traffic is often the biggest deterrent, even outweighing the benefits. He stressed the importance of addressing traffic problems seriously, as smoother travel could encourage NRIs to return and invest their foreign earnings into the Indian economy.
His post received over 720,000 views and numerous comments. Many users agreed with his viewpoint. One user remarked that more than the number of vehicles, it’s the lack of proper traffic sense that causes most problems. Another added that unsafe roads and disorderly traffic are among the top reasons NRIs refuse to settle back.
However, not all opinions were negative. Some suggested that retirement in smaller cities (Tier 3 or Tier 4) might offer a better lifestyle, with fewer traffic issues, good medical facilities, and a more enjoyable social environment. Others believed that since retired life is more relaxed, traffic should not be a significant concern for those no longer in a hurry.
