Potholes Turn India’s Roads Deadlier - Accidents Up 53% In Five Years

For

most Indian drivers, spotting and dodging potholes has become second nature as it is almost an instinct, slow down, swerve, brake and hope the vehicle behind you reacts in time. But new data presented in the Lok Sabha shows that what many consider a daily inconvenience is actually turning into a serious safety crisis.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), road accidents linked to potholes have risen by 53% in the last five years. The numbers tell a worrying story. In 2020, India recorded 3,713 accidents caused by potholes. By 2024, that figure had climbed to 5,432.

Even more concerning is the rise in fatalities as deaths in such crashes increased from 1,555 in 2020 to 2,385 in 2024, while injuries jumped from 3,167 to 4,643 during the same period.

Why Does This Matters For Everyday Drivers?

Potholes may seem like a minor road flaw as in reality, they are among the most dangerous hazards on Indian roads. Why? Because they appear suddenly, especially during monsoons or at night, drivers swerve sharply to avoid them, leading to collisions, two-wheelers lose balance instantly and high-speed highways leave little reaction time. In many cases, the accident is not caused by the pothole alone, but by the chain reaction it triggers.

Here is the year-wise trend

The numbers have fluctuated but the overall direction is clear.

• 2020 - 3,713 accidents
• 2021 - 3,625 accidents
• 2022 - 4,446 accidents
• 2023 - 5,840 accidents
• 2024 - 5,432 accidents

While there was a slight dip in 2024 compared to 2023, the long-term rise remains significant and concerns.

Also Read: Driving On a Half-Open Expressway? Pay Less Toll From February 15

Not Just About Roads

The ministry has clarified that accidents are rarely caused by a single factor. Along with road conditions, other contributors include over-speeding, mobile phone use while driving, drunk driving, lane indiscipline, not wearing helmets or seat belts, poor vehicle condition and weather conditions, which means, a pothole becomes deadly when combined with human error.

Who Is Responsible For Road Maintenance?

The responsibility is divided between National Highways which is maintained by the Union Government and State roads are maintained by respective State Governments. To report potholes, users can use Rajmargyatra App, NHAI helpline (1033), Public grievance portals and Social media platforms.

How Repairs Are Managed

Highway maintenance is handled through different contract models such as BOT, HAM and EPC. During the concession period, the private contractor is responsible for repairs. In other cases, the government uses performance-based or short-term maintenance contracts. Modern tools like drone surveys, network survey vehicles and regular inspections are also being used to identify damaged road stretches faster.

Relief For Victims

The government has also introduced financial support for accident victims

• Rs 2 lakh compensation in case of death (hit-and-run cases)
• Rs 50,000 for grievous injuries
• Cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh for seven days under the 2025 scheme

The Bigger Picture

India has built one of the world’s largest road networks in the last decade, with expressways and highways expanding rapidly. But this data is a reminder that road safety is not just about building new roads, but it is about maintaining them consistently.