Nagpur: One in every three people killed in road accidents in Nagpur over the last 29 months was a pedestrian, according to traffic police data. The statistic underscores the dangers faced by citizens navigating the city amid inadequate and encroached walking infrastructure.
Fatalities Data: 233 Pedestrians Among 715 Deaths
Traffic police data reveals that 715 people lost their lives in road accidents in Nagpur between January 2024 and May 2026. Of these, 233 were pedestrians, accounting for 32.6% of all fatalities — effectively one in every three deaths. On average, more than eight pedestrians were killed every month during this period.
The highest number of pedestrian fatalities was recorded in 2024, when 110 pedestrians figured among 353 killed in road accidents. In 2025, 88 of the 259 people killed were pedestrians. During the first five months of 2026, 35 pedestrians lost their lives, representing over one-third of the 103 fatalities reported.
Vehicles Involved in Pedestrian Deaths
The data also provides insight into the vehicles involved. In 2024, 33 pedestrians were run over by unidentified vehicles, while cars claimed 20 lives, two-wheelers 23, and trucks 16. In 2025, cars were responsible for 25 pedestrian deaths, followed by two-wheelers with 22, trucks with 16, and unidentified vehicles with 17 fatalities.
Root Cause: Inadequate Footpath Infrastructure
Road safety experts point out that while not every pedestrian death can be attributed to the absence of footpaths, a substantial number occur because pedestrians are forced to walk on roads due to missing, damaged, or encroached footpaths. Speaking to TOI, DCP (Traffic) Aditya Milkhelkar said clearing footpaths remains a priority. "We are regularly carrying out drives with the help of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). Pedestrian and two-wheeler rider deaths are concerning in Nagpur," he said.
However, pedestrian groups and road safety activists argue that similar assurances have been made repeatedly over the years by NMC and traffic police, with little visible improvement. Encroachments by vendors, parked vehicles, and commercial establishments continue to render many footpaths unusable, forcing people to walk onto busy roads.
Political Attention and Ongoing Concerns
The issue has also been raised by union minister Nitin Gadkari, who last year directed civic authorities and police to ensure footpaths remain free from encroachments. He warned that denying pedestrians dedicated walking space increases the likelihood of fatal accidents.
Despite these directives, activists maintain that enforcement remains weak. The data serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for better pedestrian infrastructure and stricter action against encroachments to prevent further loss of life.
