Overview

• India recorded 4,64,029 road crashes in 2023, causing 1,73,826 deaths and 4,47,969 injuries, with overspeeding linked to 58.6% of fatalities and dangerous or careless driving to 23.6%.
• Two-wheelers accounted for 45.8% of road deaths (79,533), followed by pedestrians at 15.9% (27,586) and occupants of SUVs, cars and jeeps at 14.3% (24,776).
• Among 53 megacities, Delhi had the most crashes (5,715) and the highest death toll (1,457), and it led in pedestrian crossing fatalities with 159 deaths.
• Differences between NCRB and MoRTH data persist, including pedestrian deaths (27,586 vs 35,221), though the overall fatality gap narrowed to 936; officials say the e-DAR system is intended to improve alignment from 2024.
• Transport safety risks extended beyond roads, with 21,803 deaths in 24,678 railway accidents, largely from falls or collisions on tracks, and the highest rail fatalities reported in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.