Harsh Goenka Criticises Mumbai Infrastructure, Contrasts Skyline With Broken Roads
RPG Group Chairperson Harsh Goenka has criticised Mumbai's civic infrastructure, pointing out a stark division between the city's rapidly expanding high-rise skyline and the deteriorating condition of its roads. Taking to social media platform X, the industrialist shared his take on what he described as Mumbai's contrasting landscape, prompting fresh discussion over civic standards in India's financial capital.
In his post on X, Goenka contrasted the modern visual appearance of the metropolis with the everyday civic challenges present on the ground. He wrote, "Mumbai has mastered the art of looking like Manhattan from a distance with a spectacular skyline. But beneath that glossy vertical city lie sprawling slums, broken roads, potholes & crumbling infrastructure. Mumbai's skyline—21st century. Mumbai's infrastructure—18th century!"
Goenka's Manhattan comparison referred specifically to Mumbai's increasingly prominent skyline, which has expanded through rapid urbanisation and real estate redevelopment across the metropolis. However, the industrialist argued that this visible visual transformation and vertical growth have not been matched by corresponding conditions in the city's basic civic infrastructure.
The post highlighted the sharp divide between Mumbai's image as India's financial capital, known for its high-rise developments, and the persistent ground-level issues faced across several parts of the city. Beneath the glossy vertical exterior, Goenka pointed out widespread realities including sprawling slums, broken road surfaces, persistent potholes, and crumbling public amenities.
The industrialist's observations have opened up another conversation around urban development in Mumbai. In the metropolis, modern construction activities and infrastructure upgrades coexist alongside longstanding civic challenges, leaving basic ground realities lagging behind visible vertical growth.
Civic questions surrounding road conditions, damaged surfaces, traffic congestion, drainage concerns, and wider public infrastructure continue to remain recurring topics among residents. Despite ongoing redevelopment projects, these challenges persist across various parts of the city.
Goenka's remarks quickly gained traction online and sparked debate, with social media users weighing in on his observations. Online commentators engaged in discussions about the city's growth, with some users relating directly to his criticism of crumbling infrastructure, while others offered differing perspectives on Mumbai's ongoing development and civic challenges.
