On Sunday, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) addressed a critique from Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the chief of Biocon, regarding the state of National Highway 44, specifically the Hosur Road in Bengaluru.
Mazumdar-Shaw expressed her concerns on social media platform X, questioning why, despite NHAI’s claims of a robust road infrastructure nationwide, a critical IT corridor like NH44 (previously NH7) suffers from poor design and maintenance. She described the highway as an “eyesore,” pointing out issues with the medians, barricades, and unpaved shoulders. She also noted that, despite numerous complaints over the years, there had been little response. She tagged various officials, including Nitin Gadkari, in her post.
In its response, NHAI acknowledged her concerns and clarified that the section in question was designed in 2005 and completed by 2010. They highlighted that the area has undergone significant urban and industrial expansion, now falling under the jurisdiction of various local authorities, such as GBA and municipalities like Hebbagodi, Chandapura, and Attibele. NHAI reported that the highway experiences heavy traffic, with over 100,000 daily users, which complicates maintenance efforts. They assured that regular upkeep is conducted by the concessionaire and noted that recent renewal works, including resurfacing, were finalized in April 2025. NHAI claimed that the highway is currently in satisfactory condition and free from potholes, and they are working on improving traffic flow by constructing four vehicular overpasses, including one at Veerasandra, where Biocon is located.
Following this, Mazumdar-Shaw reiterated her demand for a site inspection by the chief engineer of NHAI in Bengaluru. She urged the official to examine the highway’s poor conditions, including uneven medians, damaged barricades, and incomplete shoulders, criticizing the authority for deflecting attention from these pressing issues.
Earlier this year, a section of NH-44 collapsed near Chandapur during the construction of a vehicular overpass.
NH-44 is recognized as India’s longest highway, stretching from Srinagar in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. It traverses 11 states and connects major urban centers, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Salem, and Madurai.
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