- By Supratik Das
- Sun, 25 May 2025 04:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A manhole cover marked "Made in India" has gone viral as the newest internet sensation, following a social media account holder uploading a photo of a manhole cover in Seattle, wondering why the American city imports such parts from India. The post was soon trending, eliciting a spate of reactions, arguments, and explanations on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter). The viral status, posted by one Stephen, said: "Why does the city of Seattle get their manhole covers from India?" Netizens had no hesitation in sharing their opinions.
Why American Cities Purchase Manhole Covers From India
This is not a recent trend. For decades, cities in the United States, such as New York, Sacramento, and Seattle, have been importing manhole covers and other cast-iron parts from India. Indian factories, particularly in Howrah and Dasnagar near Kolkata, are principal international suppliers of cast-iron municipal infrastructure. These production centers manufacture a diverse array of products ranging from manhole covers, sewer grates, drain lids, and valve boxes to supply markets in Europe and North America. The major cause of this outsourcing is price. Indian producers have rates that range between 20 and 60 per cent less compared to their US counterparts. This cost benefit is a result of cheaper labor costs, lenient regulation systems, and subsidies from the government aimed at aiding export-based businesses in India. In addition, India's heavy concentration of iron ore and coal allows it to stay on top in the cast iron industry across the world.
Netizens' Reactions Spark Outrage
Several social media posts started trending, and mixed reactions erupted on this. "India makes 6 times as much iron ore at half the cost of the US," said one. "So India enjoys a comparative advantage in producing manhole covers. Leave Americans with high-tech while India handles infrastructure fundamentals." Another X user said, "Cast iron everywhere in the world originates from India. It has done so for decades." A third social media user said, "My guess is a lack of environmental regulation… iron ore extraction burns coal, and India does it cheaper." Another even more critical reply said, "Wherever you turn, we've been dried by foreigners and our government. It will take time, but it has to be undone."
The accident has unwittingly brought attention to a lesser publicised story of India's export and manufacturing sector, especially for the infrastructure industry. Howrah—once touted as the "Sheffield of the East" remains producing and exporting heavy-duty municipal machinery quietly but consistently.
