In 2023, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of deaths at 34,652, followed by Tamil Nadu (18,347), Maharashtra (15,366), and Madhya Pradesh (13,798). The figures were compiled using data from the Sanjaya app, which tracks and analyses accident statistics nationwide.
Union Minister Orders Performance Audit
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the Betul–Bhopal highway, holding officials accountable for negligence. He directed that officers responsible for poorly maintained roads undergo a performance audit to ensure accountability.
“If accidents are increasing due to poor roads, the officers in charge must be reviewed — and not promoted without scrutiny,” Gadkari said at a CII event on October 28, a video of which surfaced on October 31. He added that he has written to the Ministry Secretary demanding stricter action and improved road quality.
Two-Wheeler Riders Most Vulnerable
In Madhya Pradesh, two-wheeler riders account for 53% of road accident victims. Notably, 87% of those killed were in the working-age group, highlighting both the social and economic consequences of road fatalities.
Over 1,000 Accident Black Spots in the State
The state has identified 1,041 black spots — locations with frequent accidents — where authorities are installing warning boards and signage to reduce deaths. Of the 13,798 fatalities, 11,633 (84.4%) were men and 2,165 (15.6%) were women.
According to WHO estimates, road accidents result in an average 3% GDP loss globally. For Madhya Pradesh, this translates to an estimated economic loss between ₹14,308 crore and ₹38,055 crore.
Most Deaths Reported on Local Roads
MoRTH data shows that 46% of fatalities in MP occurred on local roads, while 32% (4,476 deaths) happened on National Highways and 22% (2,960 deaths) on State Highways. This indicates that poorly maintained and dimly lit local roads are proving more dangerous than major highways.
IIT Madras Offers Data-Driven Solutions
Experts from IIT Madras are working with the state government to identify high-risk areas using advanced data analytics.
Professor Balasubramanian from IIT Madras said his team applies a Data-Driven Hyper-Local Intervention (DDHI) model to analyse accident patterns and recommend preventive measures.
“Since Madhya Pradesh lies at the heart of the country, vehicle movement is dense. We aim to use data insights to enhance road design, strengthen enforcement, and improve trauma care,” he said.
Apps and Analytics to Track Accident Trends
Colonel Sanjeev Sharma, from IIT Madras’s Centre of Excellence for Road Safety, explained that new digital tools now collect detailed data on accident location, time, vehicle type, and cause.
This information allows authorities to map accident black spots, improve emergency response, and deploy ambulances within the ‘golden hour’, when timely medical aid can save lives.
The Sanjaya app, integrated with eDAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report), records precise accident details such as overspeeding, wrong-side driving, and drunk driving. The findings are shared through visual dashboards with district officials to aid in planning, enforcement, and resource allocation.
Towards Safer Roads
By leveraging real-time data, analytics, and better coordination, the government aims to significantly reduce road fatalities in Madhya Pradesh. Experts emphasize that combining accurate data, rapid medical response, improved road engineering, and strict law enforcement will be key to building safer roads across the state.
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