9,438 People Died After Falling Into Potholes in Five Years; Uttar Pradesh Tops the List

New Delhi: The alarming reality of India’s deteriorating road infrastructure has once again come to the forefront, as official data reveals that 9,438 people lost their lives in pothole-related accidents between 2020 and 2024. The figures underline a disturbing pattern of negligence, raising serious questions about road maintenance and public safety across the country.

While citizens continue to face daily risks while commuting, the numbers indicate that potholes have become not just an inconvenience, but a deadly hazard.

Uttar Pradesh Records More Than Half of Total Deaths

Among all states, Uttar Pradesh (UP) reported the highest number of pothole-related fatalities. Shockingly, the state alone accounted for 5,127 deaths, which is more than half of the national total over the five-year period.

The data has sparked widespread concern, as it reflects the severity of road safety issues in UP and highlights the urgent need for stronger accountability and infrastructure reform.

53% Rise in Deaths Compared to 2020

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways informed the Lok Sabha that pothole-related deaths have seen a sharp increase in recent years. In 2020, a total of 1,555 deaths were reported due to pothole accidents. By 2024, this number surged to 2,385, marking a 53% rise compared to 2020.

Experts believe that increasing vehicle density, poor road repair systems, and lack of timely maintenance are major contributors to this growing crisis.

Other States with High Fatalities

After Uttar Pradesh, the states reporting the highest number of pothole-related deaths during the five-year period include:

• Madhya Pradesh: 969 deaths
• Tamil Nadu: 612 deaths
• Odisha: 425 deaths
• Punjab: 414 deaths
• Assam: 395 deaths

The data shows that the problem is not limited to one region, but is spread across multiple parts of the country.

Zero Deaths Reported in Several States

Interestingly, the report also states that Bihar, Goa, Chandigarh, and Andhra Pradesh recorded zero deaths caused by falling into potholes during these five years. Similarly, northeastern states like Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura also reported no such fatalities.

This has led to questions regarding the accuracy of reporting and whether such incidents are being properly categorized and recorded by law enforcement agencies in all states.

Delhi Figures Raise Eyebrows

Despite recent public outrage over a pothole-related death in Delhi’s Janakpuri, official records show that only 50 such deaths were reported in the national capital over the last five years. The comparatively low number has also triggered debate on whether cases are being underreported or classified under different accident categories.

Supreme Court Had Taken Suo Motu Cognizance

The issue of pothole deaths has been a matter of national concern for years. In 2018, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of a media report highlighting the growing death toll due to potholes. The apex court had then directed authorities to take immediate action, stating that it was widely known that poor road conditions were causing large-scale fatalities.

A Growing Crisis of Negligence

The rising number of pothole deaths reflects a harsh truth: thousands of lives are being lost due to preventable infrastructure failures. With fatalities increasing year after year, the data has intensified calls for strict monitoring, timely repairs, and stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that roads are safe for every citizen.

As the nation continues to expand its transport network, the challenge remains clear—without urgent action, potholes will continue to claim lives silently, turning daily travel into a deadly risk.