Highway Fatalities in India Fall 4.1% in 2025, First Dip Since Covid

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of deaths on India's national highways has declined. Government data submitted in the Lok Sabha last week shows that fatalities on national highways, including Central government-run expressways, fell by 4.1 per cent to 62,122 in 2025 from 64,772 in 2024.

The decline marks a reversal of the trend seen after 2020, when highway fatalities rose consistently as traffic volumes recovered and new expressways opened. However, the overall number of road fatalities in the country continued to rise, according to the same data, indicating that safety gains on national highways have not been matched by other segments of the road network.

The data, based on police-reported accidents, reveals a mixed picture across the country. Twenty states and Union territories reported fewer deaths on national highways in 2025 compared with the previous year, while 15 recorded an increase. Lakshadweep, which has no national highways, has reported zero national highway fatalities since 2022.

Uttar Pradesh recorded the largest absolute reduction — from 9,560 deaths in 2024 to 7,573 in 2025, a fall of over 2,000. Madhya Pradesh also saw a substantial decline, with deaths dropping from 4,644 to 3,610, while Punjab reported a sharp reduction from 1,562 to 1,022.

In contrast, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat witnessed increases in national highway deaths. The reasons for the interstate variations have not been provided in the government data.

Road accidents are a leading cause of premature death in India. Over 150,000 people die in road crashes annually, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. National highways, which carry a large share of long-distance traffic, account for a significant proportion of these fatalities.

The decline on national highways could be attributed to several factors, including improved highway design, broader lanes, crash barriers, increased use of speed cameras, and better enforcement of traffic rules. However, the government has not released any analysis explaining the trend. The data is provisional and may be revised after final reconciliation with state authorities.

The increase in overall road fatalities underscores the challenge of road safety beyond highways. Many accidents occur on state roads and rural roads, which often lack proper signage, lighting, and emergency services. Experts have called for a comprehensive approach that includes safer road infrastructure, stricter licensing norms, and quicker medical response.

The national highway numbers offer some encouragement, but the broader picture remains worrying. As India continues to expand its road network, ensuring the safety of all road users must remain a policy priority. The latest data will be an important input for future road safety programmes.