Metro India News | Hyderabad 

India’s national highways claimed 54,433 lives in 2024, a grim reminder of the scale of road safety challenges across the country. The figures highlight how states with longer highway networks tend to report higher fatalities, raising concerns about whether road expansion is being matched with adequate safety measures.

Tamil Nadu recorded the highest toll at 5,642 deaths, followed closely by Uttar Pradesh with 5,542 and Maharashtra with 5,195. Bihar and Karnataka also reported alarming numbers, with 4,049 and 4,059 fatalities respectively. Andhra Pradesh registered 3,869 deaths, while Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh reported 3,771 and 3,186. Together, these states account for nearly half of all highway deaths nationwide. Smaller states and union territories reported far fewer casualties, such as Ladakh with 30, Mizoram with 30, and Chandigarh with just 4, reflecting shorter highway stretches and lower traffic volumes.

Nationally, India reported 4.73 lakh road accidents and 1.7 lakh deaths across all road categories in 2024, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. While nine states, including Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab, saw declines in fatalities, the overall toll remains among the highest in the world. Kerala stood out with the lowest accident severity, recording one death per 13 accidents, compared to Uttar Pradesh’s stark ratio of one death in every two crashes. The government has pledged to halve road fatalities by 2030, aligning with global targets. Initiatives include identifying 100 high-risk districts for targeted interventions, strengthening enforcement of traffic rules, and rolling out cashless treatment schemes for accident victims. Experts emphasize that engineering improvements, stricter enforcement, and better trauma care are critical to reducing fatalities. Behind every number is a family and a future cut short. The data is not just a record of loss but a call to action. India’s highways are expanding rapidly, but unless safety measures keep pace, the toll will continue to rise, turning progress into tragedy.