'It's an eyesore': Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw flags poor condition of NH44 in Bengaluru, NHAI responds

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon Limited took a jibe at (National Highways Authority of India) NHAI on Sunday (April 6), while addressing the poor condition of NH44.

Taking to her X account, Shaw wrote, "Whilst NHAI boasts of its road infrastructure across the country why is the country’s key IT corridor NH44 (formerly NH7) viz Hosur Road so shoddily designed and ill maintained?"

Calling it an "eyesore", Shaw added "the medians and barricades are terrible and the shoulders are not asphalted."

While tagging Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, she said despite several complaints over several years there is no response to the issue.

"Is this what NHAI considers its proud track record?" she questioned.

Soon after, NHAI responded to Shaw's post.

In their response they highlighted the rapid urban and industrial growth, with over one lakh daily commuters in that stretch, which adds to the operational and maintenance challenges.

"NHAI informs that this stretch, planned in 2005 and completed in 2010, has since seen rapid urban & industrial growth and now falls under multiple authorities, including GBA and municipalities like Hebbagodi, Chandapura & Attibele. Currently, the stretch handles very high traffic volumes, with over 1 lakh daily commuters, adding to operational and maintenance challenges," NHAI's comment read.

NHAI further wrote that regular maintenance is being carried out by the concessionaire and periodic renewal works, including overlay, were completed in April 2025.

"The carriageway is presently in good condition and free from potholes. To ease congestion & eliminate blackspots, NHAI has proposed 4 Vehicular Overpasses (VOPs), including at Veerasandra (Biocon). Work is ongoing at 3 locations," they added.

Shaw's post garnered a flurry of comments, where netizens added their concerns.

"Media has reported many times over the years on poor quality construction, attenuated by lack of drainage of stormwater, incomplete drains leading nowhere, inadequate cross drainage, poor slope protection etc. Its not only lack of management or political oversight but is also poor design & implementation by Engineers, Govt & Consultants," a user commented.

"Great Job Madam. If common people make noise they will not consider it seriously and we are hopeless right now," commented a second user.