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13 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
Social IssuesNEWS

Pothole-Related Road Fatalities Surge by 53% in Five Years

Pothole-related road fatalities in India have increased by 53% in the last five years.

Pothole-Related Road Fatalities Surge by 53% in Five Years

Photo by Charu Chaturvedi

Data indicates a significant increase in road fatalities caused by potholes in India. There has been a 53% jump in the last five years. In 2020, 4,750 accidents were reported due to potholes, resulting in 2,330 deaths. The condition of roads and infrastructure is a major concern.

Key Facts

1.

Pothole-related fatalities have increased significantly in the last five years.

2.

Poor road conditions are a major concern in India.

3.

Road maintenance and infrastructure development require urgent attention.

4.

Effective strategies are needed to reduce road accidents and fatalities.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Road Safety

2.

Connects to government schemes, constitutional provisions, and policy interventions related to road safety.

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on causes and solutions for road accidents.

Visual Insights

Pothole-Related Road Fatalities in India

Key statistics on road fatalities caused by potholes, highlighting the severity of the issue.

Increase in Road Fatalities (5 Years)
53%

Highlights the alarming rise in pothole-related deaths, indicating a failure in road maintenance and safety measures.

Accidents Reported in 2020
4,750

Shows the high number of accidents directly attributed to potholes in a single year, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

Deaths Due to Potholes in 2020
2,330

Indicates the significant loss of life resulting from poor road conditions, raising concerns about public safety and government accountability.

More Information

Background

Road accidents and fatalities are a significant concern in India, with various factors contributing to this issue. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, amended in 2019, aims to regulate road transport and enhance road safety. The Act addresses issues like driver licensing, vehicle registration, and penalties for traffic violations. However, enforcement and implementation remain challenges. The condition of roads and infrastructure plays a crucial role in road safety. Inadequate road maintenance, poor design, and the presence of potholes contribute to accidents. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), launched in 2000, aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations. Despite such initiatives, the quality and maintenance of rural and urban roads need improvement. Constitutional provisions related to road safety fall under the purview of both the Union and State governments. The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution allocates responsibilities for road transport and safety. While the Union government formulates policies and standards, the State governments are responsible for implementation and enforcement. Effective coordination between the Centre and States is essential for addressing road safety issues comprehensively.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives focus on improving road infrastructure and reducing accidents. The Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched in 2015, aims to develop a network of highways and expressways across the country. This project focuses on improving connectivity and reducing travel time. However, the project faces challenges related to land acquisition and environmental clearances. Technology is being increasingly used to enhance road safety. Initiatives like intelligent traffic management systems (ITMS) and electronic enforcement are being implemented in various cities. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor traffic flow and detect violations. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is promoting the use of technology to improve road safety. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in reducing road accidents and fatalities. Issues like poor enforcement of traffic laws, lack of awareness among road users, and inadequate post-accident care contribute to the problem. A multi-pronged approach involving government, civil society, and citizens is needed to address road safety effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about pothole-related fatalities in India that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include the 53% increase in pothole-related fatalities in the last five years, with 2,330 deaths reported in 2020 from 4,750 accidents. Understanding these numbers helps in answering factual MCQs.

Exam Tip

Remember the percentage increase (53%) and the 2020 figures (2,330 deaths) for quick recall in the exam.

2. What is the significance of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (amended in 2019) in the context of increasing road fatalities due to potholes?

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, amended in 2019, aims to regulate road transport and enhance road safety. While the Act addresses various aspects of road safety, its effectiveness in preventing pothole-related accidents depends on enforcement and implementation.

3. Why is the issue of pothole-related fatalities in the news recently?

The issue is in the news due to the significant 53% increase in road fatalities caused by potholes in the last five years, highlighting the urgent need for better road maintenance and infrastructure.

4. How does the increase in pothole-related fatalities impact common citizens?

The increase in fatalities directly impacts the safety and well-being of common citizens, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries while traveling. It also raises concerns about the quality of infrastructure and the accountability of responsible authorities.

5. What is the Bharatmala Pariyojana, and how is it related to the issue of pothole-related fatalities?

The Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched in 2015, aims to develop a network of highways and expressways across the country. By improving road infrastructure, it can potentially reduce pothole-related accidents, although challenges related to land acquisition and environmental clearances need to be addressed.

6. What reforms are needed to effectively address the issue of pothole-related fatalities in India?

Reforms needed include stricter enforcement of road maintenance standards, increased accountability of road construction agencies, and the use of technology for early detection and repair of potholes. Regular audits and public grievance mechanisms are also essential.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding road accidents in India: 1. In 2020, the number of deaths reported due to accidents caused by potholes was 2,330. 2. The recent data indicates a 53% decrease in road fatalities caused by potholes in the last five years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.Both 1 and 2
  • D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: In 2020, 2,330 deaths were reported due to accidents caused by potholes, as per the provided data. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The data indicates a 53% INCREASE in road fatalities caused by potholes in the last five years, not a decrease.

2. Which of the following initiatives is aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations?

  • A.Bharatmala Pariyojana
  • B.Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
  • C.Smart Cities Mission
  • D.Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched in 2000 to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations in rural areas. Bharatmala Pariyojana focuses on developing highways and expressways. Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT are urban development initiatives.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: 1. The Act was amended in 2019 to enhance road safety and regulate road transport. 2. The Act exclusively deals with vehicle registration and does not cover driver licensing. 3. The Act falls under the legislative competence of the State government only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, was indeed amended in 2019 to enhance road safety and regulate road transport. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Act covers both vehicle registration and driver licensing. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Act falls under the legislative competence of both the Union and State governments as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.

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