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Road Accidents Related to Potholes Rise by 53 Percent in Five Years: MoRTH
Recent data presented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in Lok Sabha reveals a significant increase in pothole-related road accidents over five years. From 3,713 accidents in 2020, the figure rose to 5,432 by 2024, marking a 53% hike. Fatalities also surged from 1,555 to 2,385 during this period. Various factors contribute to these incidents, including vehicle conditions and driver behavior. The government has established multiple complaint channels and maintenance contracts to address road quality and ensure timely repairs. Compensation schemes for accident victims have also been implemented.
Keshav Rajput
Updated Feb 13, 2026, 04:41 PM IST
Road Accidents Related to Potholes Rise by 53 Percent in Five Years: MoRTH
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has presented data in the Lok Sabha on accidents linked to potholes and poor road surface conditions. The data shows that road crashes linked to potholes have risen sharply over a five-year period. The information, compiled from police reports across States and Union Territories, also lists fatalities and injuries and outlines how complaints and maintenance are handled on National Highways.
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Trend over five years
The number of road accidents attributed to potholes has increased between 2020 and 2024, according to data shared by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in the Lok Sabha on February 12, 2026.
Nationwide, 3,713 accidents linked to potholes were recorded in 2020. The figure rose to 5,432 in 2024. This represents an increase of about 53 percent over the five-year period.
Fatalities in such crashes were reported at 1,555 in 2020 and 2,385 in 2024, while the total number of injured persons stood at 3,167 in 2020 and 4,643 in 2024.
Year-wise variation
After 2020, the total number of pothole-related accidents stood at 3,625 in 2021 and 4,446 in 2022. The number increased to 5,840 in 2023 before declining to 5,432 in 2024.
The Ministry noted that crashes occur due to multiple factors, including speeding, mobile phone use while driving, alcohol consumption, lane indiscipline, jumping red lights, non-use of helmets or seat belts, vehicle condition, weather and road condition.
Responsibility and complaint channels
The Union Government said it is responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways, while State Governments are responsible for roads under their jurisdiction.
Complaints related to potholes and surface conditions are received through platforms such as the Rajmargyatra App, the NHAI helpline 1033, public grievance portals and social media channels.
Maintenance mechanism
The ministry informed Parliament that different contractual models govern highway maintenance, including BOT, HAM and EPC formats. During concession or defect liability periods, the concessionaire or contractor is responsible for upkeep. For stretches not covered under such periods, maintenance is undertaken through Performance Based Maintenance Contracts or Short Term Maintenance Contracts.
Compensation framework
In a separate reply to the Lok Sabha on December 11, 2025, the ministry said compensation in hit-and-run cases is provided under the Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Motor Accidents Scheme, 2022. The scheme provides ₹2 lakh in case of death and Rs 50,000 for grievous injury.
The government has also notified the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, which allows treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per victim for a maximum of seven days from the date of the accident.
Identification of potholes
Potholes on National Highways are identified through regular inspections by field officers, as well as through drone surveys, network survey vehicles and feedback received from road users on digital platforms, the ministry said.
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