Pothole deaths rise 53 per cent in five years

Government data shows that pothole-related road accident deaths rose by 53 per cent between 2020 and 2024, claiming 9,438 lives nationwide. Uttar Pradesh emerged as the worst-affected state, accounting for more than half of the total fatalities

New Delhi: Deaths caused by pothole-related road accidents have risen by 53 per cent over the past five years, with 9,438 people killed across the country between 2020 and 2024, the government informed Parliament.

Uttar Pradesh alone accounted for more than 54 per cent of these fatalities, emerging as the worst-affected state.

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Data shared by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in a written reply showed that while fatalities dipped slightly in 2021, they have climbed steadily since.

The annual death toll saw a marginal dip from 1,555 in 2020 to 1,481 in 2021. It rose to 1,856 in 2022, 2,161 in 2023, and peaked at 2,385 in 2024.

Uttar Pradesh consistently recorded the highest casualties, with 5,127 deaths reported between 2020 and 2024. In 2024 alone, the state saw 1,369 pothole-related deaths, more than half of the national total, up from 1,320 in 2023 and 1,030 in 2022.

Madhya Pradesh followed with a cumulative 969 deaths over the five years, including 277 in 2024. Tamil Nadu reported 612 deaths in the same period, while Punjab recorded 414.

The data drawn from state police reports submitted to the ministry showed that some states, including Andhra Pradesh,Tomorrow is and Goa, reported no problem

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Gadkari stated that while the Centre is responsible for the development and maintenance of national highways, the respective state governments are responsible for roads within their jurisdiction.

He added that the government has prioritised the upkeep of the existing national highway network and has established a system to ensure all sections are repaired by accountable maintenance agencies.