US immigration lawyer visits India, says it’s hard to walk around in Delhi: ‘Traffic is insane’

Daniel Larson shared that he has been staying in the area of New Delhi 'with all of the embassies and government agencies'. (Image credit: Daniel Larson/X)

A US‑based immigration attorney visiting New Delhi’s diplomatic enclave recently shared that he was surprised by how “hard it is to walk around” and called the traffic “insane.” Daniel Larson's remark quickly drew reactions from Delhi residents and social media users who pointed to the city’s massive population and dense urban pressures.

"I am staying in the area of New Delhi with all of the embassies and government agencies. It’s surprising to me how hard it is to walk around, and the traffic is insane," he said.

Responding to Larson’s post, several users noted that the area he was staying in — home to embassies and government offices — is among Delhi’s calmer zones. One user wrote that Delhi’s scale makes congestion inevitable. Another added, "That is the charmed circle. If you find that insane, then you will not be able to take even one step in other neighborhoods. Delhi has more than 20 million people."

A third user commented that in Delhi, “the best place to go for a walk is on the treadmill,” while others highlighted “mass population” and daily struggles for space. Some noted that human congestion exists not just on roads but also in the Metro, where peak hours — 8–10 am and 5–7 pm — see heavy crowds.

Suggestions for ‘walkable’ spaces

Alongside critiques, locals also recommended that Larson visit Nehru Park or Lodhi Garden, calling them green, pedestrian-friendly spaces unmatched even by many American cities. These parks, they said, might offer the kind of walkable environment he was looking for.

Another responder asked what he expected from “the capital city of the most populous country in the world.”

Delhi’s population context

Delhi is now the second most populated city in the world, with 33.8 million people, surpassing the population of entire countries such as Malaysia. India’s overall population growth has positioned Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata among the world’s top 20 most populated cities.

According to the latest United Nations World Urbanisation Prospects published in 2024, India is now the world’s most populous nation. It continues to see its major cities expand at a staggering pace, exerting immense pressure on their infrastructure and mobility systems. Delhi’s size and density, locals argued, make traffic and pedestrian challenges unavoidable.