India recorded more than 5.13 lakh road accidents in 2025, a 5.3 per cent increase compared to the previous year, resulting in 1,83,382 deaths, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
In a written reply to Parliament, Gadkari said the country witnessed an average of 59 road accidents every hour during the year, claiming the lives of 21 people every hour. According to data compiled from police departments across states and Union Territories, a total of 5,13,563 road accidents were reported in 2025.
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Among the states, Tamil Nadu registered the highest number of road accidents with 71,387 cases, while Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of fatalities at 27,550.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to improve road safety, Gadkari said a comprehensive strategy based on the “4Es”—Education, Engineering of roads and vehicles, Enforcement, and Emergency Care—is being implemented to reduce accidents and fatalities.
Responding to a separate query on ethanol-blended fuel, the minister said there have been no widespread reports of engine failure or vehicle breakdowns linked to E20 petrol. Citing information provided by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), he said concerns about engine performance, mileage and vehicle wear have largely emerged through public discussions and social media rather than verified technical evidence.
Gadkari noted that E15+ petrol has been in use across India for more than three-and-a-half years, while E19-E20 fuel has been available for over two-and-a-half years. Before introducing E20 fuel, the government carried out extensive laboratory studies, durability tests and field trials to assess engine performance, material compatibility, emissions, fuel economy and overall vehicle reliability.
The minister also informed Parliament that 10,389 km of National High-Speed Corridors have been awarded so far, with 4,809 km completed and the remaining 5,580 km currently under implementation.
