Potholes across India killed 3,597 people in 2017, The Times of India reported on Sunday. This was a more than 50% rise in toll since 2016, the report said, adding that at least 10 people died due to potholes every day.
In contrast, 803 people died due to terror-related activities in India in 2017. This included civilians, security personnel and suspected terrorists.
Roads in several parts of the country often develop potholes during the monsoon, leading to severe accidents and traffic jams.
Data shared by states with the Centre showed that 987 such deaths were reported in Uttar Pradesh, 726 in Maharashtra and 522 in Haryana. According to the data, 714 people had died of similar causes in Uttar Pradesh in 2016, followed by 329 in Maharashtra.
The number of people killed near or on roads under construction also increased from 3,878 in 2016 to 4,250 last year.
An unidentified official of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways told the newspaper that a section in the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill provides for the imposition of fine on officials as several people are killed due to faulty design of roads, poor maintenance and negligence. The bill is stuck in Parliament due to frequent disruption in proceedings.
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