Pothole deaths jump 53 per cent in five years, UP records over half of 9,400 fatalities

New Delhi: Deaths caused by pothole-related road accidents have risen by 53 per cent between 2020 and 2024. A total of 9,438 people lost their lives across the country during this period, the Centre informed Parliament. Uttar Pradesh accounted for more than half of these deaths, making it the worst-affected state.

In a written reply, Union Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari said fatalities dipped slightly in 2021 but have increased every year since, reaching 2,385 deaths in 2024, the highest in five years.

The yearly data shows deaths fell from 1,555 in 2020 to 1,481 in 2021. The numbers then climbed to 1,856 in 2022, rose to 2,161 in 2023 and further increased to 2,385 in 2024.

Uttar Pradesh reported 5,127 deaths during the five-year period. In 2024 alone, the state recorded 1,369 pothole-related deaths, more than half of the national total. The figures stood at 1,320 in 2023 and 1,030 in 2022.

Madhya Pradesh reported 969 deaths between 2020 and 2024, including 277 in 2024. Tamil Nadu recorded 612 deaths in the same period, while Punjab reported 414.

The data, based on reports from state police departments, showed that some states including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Goa did not report any pothole-related accidents or deaths during these five years.

Across the country, 23,056 accidents linked to potholes were reported between 2020 and 2024. These accidents left 19,956 people injured, of which 9,670 were classified as grievous injuries.

The minister said the Centre is responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways, while state governments look after roads under their jurisdiction. He added that maintaining the existing highway network remains a priority and that systems have been put in place to ensure timely repairs by designated maintenance agencies.

(with inputs from agencies)