Karnataka's National Highways Emerge as Most Dangerous, Accounting for Over Half of State's Accident Blackspots
According to official data, 459 out of 942 accident blackspots identified in Karnataka are located on National Highways maintained by the National Highways Authority of India. A blackspot is defined as a place where three or more fatal accidents occur within a 500-meter stretch over three years.
Alarming Road Accident Statistics in Karnataka
In 2025 alone, road accidents across Karnataka resulted in 11,324 fatalities and 53,938 injuries, averaging 31 deaths and 147 injuries per day. Over the past five years, the state has recorded over 2.4 lakh accidents, claiming 66,791 lives and leaving 2.9 lakh people injured.
Top Accident-Prone Zones and Bengaluru's High-Risk Areas
Of the top 10 blackspots identified by state police during 2022-24, nine are in south Karnataka, with three in Bengaluru. The most dangerous stretch is from 8th Mile Junction to Nagasandra toll in Peenya, with 40 accidents and 12 deaths. Second is Nidaghatta near Maddur on NH-275 in Mandya district, with 43 accidents and 18 deaths. The only stretch from North Karnataka is near Korammadevi temple on NH-52 in Vijayapura district, with 19 accidents and 20 fatalities.
Within Bengaluru, officials identified 27 blackspots, excluding three on NICE Road. Bengaluru traffic police highlighted 64 accident-prone blackspots between 2023 and 2025. Chikkajala traffic police limits on Bengaluru–Ballari Road (NH 44), connecting to Kempegowda International Airport, recorded the highest number with five locations, including Hunasamaranahalli and Sadahalli Gate, each reporting over 15 deaths.
Authorities' Response and Safety Measures
DG&IGP MA Saleem stated that measures are being implemented to reduce accidents at these blackspots. "First, we inspected road engineering at these blackspots; then, we addressed the matter in coordination with urban local bodies; we took a few speed-calming measures like displaying hoardings and other signboards, warning commuters to drive carefully," he said. He added that strict enforcement of traffic rules will further help decrease accident numbers.
Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy mentioned long-term interventions, including correcting road design flaws, widening roads, improving junctions, and constructing underpasses and road overbridges.
Other High-Risk Areas and Causes
Other areas in Bengaluru with a high number of blackspots include Yelahanka, Electronics City, and Kengeri, with four locations each, followed by Bellandur, JB Nagar, Mahadevapura, and Byatarayanapura with three each. Police cited overspeeding and jaywalking as primary causes of accidents.
DCP (west, traffic) Anoop Shetty confirmed that joint teams led by ACPs, along with officials from GBA, NHAI, and other agencies, will submit reports on corrective measures to enhance road safety across the state.
