pothole-related-deaths-rise-53-pc-in-5-years-up-tops-tally

Pothole-related road fatalities have surged by 53 per cent over the last five years, claiming 9,438 lives across the country between 2020 and 2024, according to recent figures shared in Parliament. Data presented by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari indicates a worrying upward trend; while there was a brief dip in fatalities in 2021, numbers have climbed steadily since, reaching a high of 2,385 deaths in 2024 alone.

 

According to data provided by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, the trend is alarming; although there was a slight decrease in the number of deaths in 2021, the figures have steadily increased since then, reaching a staggering 2,385 deaths in 2024 alone.

 

The statistics, which were collated from reports submitted by the state police forces, point to a disturbing imbalance in the number of deaths across various regions. Uttar Pradesh has been identified as the worst-hit state by a considerable margin, leading the list with the highest number of deaths. During the five-year period, the state has accounted for 5,127 deaths, which is more than half of the total deaths in the country. In 2024, the cumulative number of deaths in Uttar Pradesh alone is 1,369, which is a substantial increase from 1,320 in 2023 and 1,030 in 2022.

 

Other states that have made a substantial contribution to the cumulative number of deaths in the country are Madhya Pradesh, with 969 deaths over the five-year period, followed by Tamil Nadu with 612 deaths and Punjab with 414 deaths. On the other hand, the report revealed that there were no pothole-related accidents or deaths in several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Goa.

 

The statistics revealed that nationwide 23,056 accidents directly linked to potholes during this timeframe, causing nearly 20,000 injuries, of which over 9,600 were categorised as grievous. Commenting on the results, Minister Gadkari clarified that the maintenance duties are shared, with the government looking after the National Highways and the state governments being responsible for the roads within their respective states. He also stated that the government has made arrangements to ensure that the National Highways are maintained by accountable entities.

 

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