Why Many NRIs Choose Not to Return to India After Years Abroad

For many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), returning to India after years abroad is a cherished goal. A man who moved back to India with his wife after 25 years in the U.S. shared that while life in India has many positives, one major issue stands in the way for many potential returnees—“horrendous traffic.”

The man explained that as they near retirement, their friends in the U.S. often ask what life is like in India. Although there are benefits such as affordable healthcare and household support, he emphasized that India’s chaotic traffic often becomes a deal-breaker. He noted that despite NRIs being financially capable of contributing to India’s economy, many reconsider due to traffic congestion and lack of road discipline.

On social media, reactions were mixed. One user pointed out that with 1.5 billion people, crowding and traffic are expected—comparing the situation to China. The original poster responded that the main issue is the disorganized manner in which traffic operates in India, lacking lane discipline and order compared to cities in the U.S. like Chicago.

When someone questioned why one would live in a crowded city during retirement, the man replied, “Mom.” Others added that reasons to return include aging parents and local support systems, which are often not available abroad.

Another comment suggested that gated communities or private townships might be a partial solution, but argued that fixing a city’s overall traffic issue is complex due to population size and conflicting interests.

NRIs, retirement in India, Indian traffic, relocation issues, lifestyle concerns