Thousands of road accidents occur across India every day, and early estimates indicate that the year 2024 may witness a significant rise in such incidents. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament that around 1.77 lakh people are expected to lose their lives in road accidents in 2024, compared to 1.73 lakh deaths in 2023. However, amid the concerning national trend, some states such as Delhi and Goa have reported a decline in accident numbers.

Responding to a question by Narayan Das Gupta, the Road Transport Minister shared that India recorded 4,87,705 road accidents in 2024, up from 4,80,583 in 2023. Despite the national increase, Delhi reported fewer accidents. The capital recorded 5,834 accidents in 2023, which dropped slightly to 5,657 in 2024.

Goa also showed improvement. In 2023, the state recorded 2,846 accidents; this number decreased to 2,682 in 2024. Meanwhile, states like Assam, Bihar, and Kerala reported an increase in accidents.

Madhya Pradesh reports the highest number of accidents
The surge in road accidents in several states is worrying, but the situation in Madhya Pradesh is particularly alarming. The state recorded 56,669 accidents in 2024, the highest in the country. These incidents caused 14,791 deaths, highlighting a severe road safety crisis.

State-wise accident comparison (2023 vs 2024):
Assam – 7,421 to 7,848
Bihar – 11,014 to 11,610
Chhattisgarh – 13,468 to 14,857
Maharashtra – 35,243 to 36,118
Uttar Pradesh – 44,534 to 46,052
Rajasthan – 24,694 to 24,838
Telangana – 22,903 to 25,986
Tamil Nadu – 22,903 to 25,986
Odisha – 11,992 to 12,375

State with the lowest accidents
Lakshadweep recorded zero road accidents in 2024, compared to one accident in 2023, making it the safest region in the country. Mizoram reported 118 accidents, which is low compared to most states, but still represents an increase over previous figures.