Introduction
India continues to record the world’s highest number of road accident fatalities. However, official estimates for 2024 vary significantly across government reports, highlighting major concerns regarding data accuracy and institutional coordination.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reported nearly 1.77 lakh deaths, while the National Crime Records Bureau cited figures ranging from 1.75 lakh to 1.81 lakh deaths in different reports.
Although the government introduced digital systems such as the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) and Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) for real-time reporting, discrepancies continue to persist.
Sources of Road Accident Data in India
Police as the Primary Source
In India, the police are generally the first responders at accident sites and serve as the primary source of road accident data.
Fatal accidents caused by negligence are registered under:
- Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Earlier covered under Section 304-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
According to the World Health Organization, many countries worldwide primarily rely on police records for accident reporting.
Role of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
The Ministry collects accident data through its Transport Research Wing (TRW) from State police departments.
The data includes:
- Accident identification
- Road conditions
- Vehicle details
- Driver information
This information is published in reports such as Road Accidents in India.
Because States often delay reporting, MoRTH has increasingly shifted towards:
- e-DAR system
- iRAD platform
for faster and real-time accident reporting.
How NCRB Collects Data
The NCRB gathers accident statistics through:
- State Crime Records Bureaus (SCRBs)
- District Crime Records Bureaus (DCRBs)
- Local police stations
Thus, both MoRTH and NCRB ultimately depend on police-generated data, but institutional reporting channels differ.
Why Are There Discrepancies in Data?
Different Reporting Mechanisms
Although both agencies rely on police records, the reporting systems and coordination processes differ.
- Police departments regularly report to NCRB under the Home Ministry.
- MoRTH coordinates separately with States through multiple administrative channels.
This can lead to:
- Delays
- Incomplete reporting
- Differences in compilation methods
Limitations in Data Collection
Officials note that some States only provide limited information requested under reporting formats, leaving out additional details.
Under-Reporting of Deaths
One major issue is that victims who die more than 30 days after an accident may not always be updated in records.
This can lead to:
- Underestimation of fatalities
- Inaccurate policy planning
Human and Institutional Bias
Analysts also point out that data quality may be affected by:
- Subjective judgments by police personnel
- Inconsistent classification
- Administrative errors
Even differences of a few thousand deaths are significant because they represent real human lives and affect road safety policy decisions.
India’s Global Position in Road Fatalities
According to the International Road Federation:
- India records the world’s highest total number of road accident deaths.
- China and the United States follow India in total fatalities.
Although India has the highest total deaths, some countries like Iran report higher road fatality rates per lakh population.
Several developing countries, including:
- Pakistan
- Nigeria
- Ethiopia
- China
have lower per capita fatality rates than India.
Need for Better Road Safety Governance
Improving road safety requires:
- Accurate and standardised data collection
- Better coordination among agencies
- Real-time digital reporting
- Improved trauma care systems
- Stronger enforcement of traffic laws
- Scientific road design
- Public awareness campaigns
Reliable accident data is essential for evidence-based policymaking and achieving India’s road safety targets.
Conclusion
India’s road accident crisis is not only a transport challenge but also a major public health and governance issue. Persistent inconsistencies in accident reporting undermine effective policymaking and weaken efforts to reduce fatalities.
Strengthening digital reporting systems like e-DAR and iRAD, improving institutional coordination, and ensuring transparent and standardised accident reporting will be crucial for improving road safety and saving lives.