Over 41,000 pedestrians, cyclists killed on highways in four years

More than 41,000 pedestrians and cyclists have died on India’s national highways in the past four years.

According to the figures shared by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in Parliament, 41,136 lives were lost between 2019 and 2022 in road accidents, involving pedestrians and cyclists. Over 10,000 pedestrian deaths were reported on highways in 2022 alone. Over 1,400 cyclist fatalities were also recorded in the same year. The ministry stated that no data was maintained in this regard before 2019.

To mitigate these casualties, the ministry pedestrian underpasses, footpaths, foot-over-bridges and pedestrian crossings were being provided on the basis of detailed surveys and site requirements to ensure the safety of non-motorised users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Officials claim these measures are based on the Indian Road Congress (IRC) codes and guidelines, which also promote universal accessibility for persons with disabilities and elderly users.

“Besides, road safety audit is conducted on all NHs at design, construction and pre-opening stage of the new highways as well as on the existing NHs,” said the Ministry.

However, critics argue that such provisions often exist only on paper. In many parts of the country, even newly built highways lack pedestrian crossings.