Lethal Potholes: Punjab Records North India's Highest Death Toll with 414 Lives Lost

Nationally, the crisis is even more severe, with 9,438 deaths across India during the same five-year period, largely driven by high numbers in Uttar Pradesh. File Photo.

Lethal Potholes: Punjab Records North India’s Highest Death Toll with 414 Lives Lost

Recent data released by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reveals a grim picture of road safety in Northern India. Between 2020 and 2024, pothole-related accidents claimed 743 lives across the region, with Punjab emerging as the worst-affected state, accounting for 414 fatalities.

In a written response to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari disclosed that nearly 48% of the 1,556 accidents caused by potholes in North India resulted in deaths. The figures underscore the lethal risk posed by poorly maintained road infrastructure.

While Punjab topped the regional list, other states also recorded significant numbers: Haryana reported 255 deaths, followed by Delhi (50) and Himachal Pradesh (19). In contrast, Chandigarh recorded only one fatal accident in 2022. Nationally, the crisis is even more severe, with 9,438 deaths across India during the same five-year period, largely driven by high numbers in Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing the broader road safety crisis, Minister Gadkari noted that road accidents claimed over 1.77 lakh lives in 2024 alone. He detailed the government’s "4Es" strategy- Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency care – to mitigate risks. Despite a Rs 7,071 crore expenditure on repairs and maintenance in 2025, the data highlights an urgent need for more effective implementation and accountability in road management.

Source: The Tribune