Pothole-Related Deaths in India Soar by 53% Over Five-Year Period
Alarming new data released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has revealed a sharp and concerning rise in fatalities caused by potholes across India. According to a written reply submitted by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the number of deaths linked to pothole accidents has increased by a staggering 53% over the past five years. The total number of lives lost in such incidents has reached a grim milestone of 9,400 during this period.
Uttar Pradesh Emerges as the Epicenter of the Crisis
The statistics paint a particularly distressing picture for the state of Uttar Pradesh, which has borne the brunt of this national tragedy. Shockingly, Uttar Pradesh alone accounts for more than half of all pothole-related fatalities recorded in the country. This disproportionate impact highlights severe infrastructural and maintenance challenges within the state's vast road network.
Year-by-Year Analysis Shows a Troubling Trend
While the overall five-year trend shows a dramatic increase, the annual data provided by Minister Gadkari reveals some fluctuations. The figures indicate a slight dip in pothole deaths during the year 2021. However, this temporary decline was followed by a steady and relentless climb in subsequent years. The situation reached its most critical point in 2024, which witnessed the highest annual death toll of 2,385 individuals losing their lives due to potholes.
This peak year underscores the escalating nature of the problem and the urgent need for systemic intervention. The data, sourced from official parliamentary records, was formally presented on February 14, 2026, bringing this public safety crisis into sharp focus for policymakers and citizens alike.
The persistent rise in fatalities points to a multifaceted crisis involving road construction quality, timely maintenance, and enforcement of safety standards. The concentration of deaths in Uttar Pradesh suggests regional disparities in infrastructure governance that require immediate and targeted addressal. As the numbers continue to climb, the call for comprehensive road safety reforms and accountable infrastructure management grows ever more pressing to prevent further loss of life on India's highways and urban roads.
