Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Pothole-related accidents claimed 973 lives across Madhya Pradesh between 2020 and 2025, but the latest figures show a dramatic decline, with just four such deaths recorded in 2025 against 277 a year earlier, according to data prepared by the Police Training and Research Institute (PTRI). The fatality data covers six years and does not include figures for 2026.Before the dramatic decline in 2025, pothole-related accidents remained high. In 2024, the state recorded 1,069 such accidents and 277 fatalities, the highest death toll during the six-year period. The sharp fall to just four accidents and four deaths in 2025 stands out even as poor road conditions and potholes continue to remain a major concern in the state capital.Meanwhile, the latest comparative road accident figures indicate that overall road accident fatalities also declined in the first half of 2026. Between January and June, the state recorded 8,273 deaths in road accidents in 2026, compared with 9,078 during the same period in 2025, a decline of 805 deaths with an 8.9% fall. The PTRI data attributes the overall decline in road accidents and fatalities to various road safety measures implemented by the government.However, the situation on the ground presents a different picture. Several roads in the state capital have deep potholes, waterlogging and damaged surfaces, creat
ing risks for motorists. Traffic police officials say accidents often occur when drivers attempt to suddenly avoid potholes.Two-wheeler riders are particularly vulnerable, with many suffering injuries after falling into or while trying to avoid potholes. Despite this, action against agencies or contractors responsible for maintaining roads is reportedly rare.Additional DCP traffic Basant Kumar Kaul said the traffic police does not maintain a separate record of accidents specifically caused by potholes. However, traffic congestion caused by damaged roads is reported to the concerned departments for necessary action.Striking decline only a year later?The figure of four accidents and an equal number of deaths in 2025 is particularly striking, coming after 1,069 pothole-related accidents and 277 deaths in 2024. The sharp decline raises questions about whether pothole-related incidents were identified and recorded in the same manner in both yearsPothole related mishaps and deaths in MP, 2020-2025Year No of cases Fatalities2020: 439 962021: 711 2202022 759 1992023 1205 1772024 1069 2772025 4 4Total Year- 2020-20254187 accidents973 fatalitiesRoad accidents: Jan-June 2025 vs 2026 Jan-June 2025 Jan-June 2026Accidents 31812 31443Killed 9078 8273Bhopal Intern Doctors’ Protest: 1.5Km Long Traffic Jam From VIP Road To Polytechnic Square As Medicos Demand Stipend Hike | VIDEO