Integrated app to analyse identify road accident causes:Data-driven mapping to flag black spots; MP ranks fourth in fatalities despite safety drive

Despite several safety measures in place, road accident deaths continue to rise across India. Madhya Pradesh now ranks fourth in the country for the number of fatalities in road accidents, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). In 2023, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of deaths (34,652), followed by Tamil Nadu (18,347), Maharashtra (15,366), and Madhya Pradesh (13,798). The data was compiled using information from the Sanjaya app, which tracks road accident statistics. Union Minister orders performance audit Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed displeasure over the poor condition of the Betul–Bhopal highway, holding officials responsible for the negligence.He said officers in charge of such roads must face a performance audit to determine accountability. “If accident numbers are rising due to poor roads, review the performance of the officer. Don’t promote them without scrutiny,” Gadkari said during a CII event on 28 October, whose video surfaced later on 31 October. He added that he had written to the Ministry Secretary demanding action and better-quality roads. Two-wheeler riders most at risk In Madhya Pradesh, 53% of road accident victims were two-wheeler riders.Alarmingly, 87% of those killed were from the working-age group, highlighting the economic and social impact of such deaths. Over 1,000 accident black spots in MP There are 1,041 black spots across Madhya Pradesh—locations known for frequent accidents.Authorities are installing warning boards and signage to reduce fatalities at these sites. Out of the 13,798 deaths, 11,633 (84.4%) were men, while 2,165 (15.6%) were women.According to WHO, road accidents cause a 3% GDP loss in most countries.For Madhya Pradesh, the estimated loss ranges between Rs 14,308 crore and Rs 38,055 crore. Most deaths on local roads MoRTH’s report revealed that 46% of road accident deaths in MP occurred on local roads.Another 32% (4,476 deaths) happened on National Highways, and 22% (2,960 deaths) on State Highways. This shows that local and interior roads, often less maintained and poorly lit, are proving more dangerous than highways. IIT Madras steps in with data-driven solutions Experts from IIT Madras are helping the state identify accident-prone zones and improve safety through data analysis. Professor Balasubramanian of IIT Madras said that his team uses Data-Driven Hyper-Local Intervention (DDHI) to analyse road accident data and suggest improvements.He stressed the need for a mass movement involving the public and administration to reduce accidents. “Since Madhya Pradesh lies at the centre of the country, a large volume of vehicles passes through it. We will improve roads, strengthen enforcement, and boost trauma care using data insights,” he said. Apps and analytics to track accident patterns Colonel Sanjeev Sharma, from the Centre of Excellence for Road Safety, IIT Madras, explained that their new apps collect detailed data on location, time, vehicle type, and accident causes. This information helps authorities identify black spots and deploy ambulances within the ‘golden hour’ — the critical first hour after an accident when medical help can save lives. The Sanjaya app provides precise details about each accident, including whether it was caused by overspeeding, wrong-side driving, or driving under the influence.The data, gathered through eDAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report), is shared with district officers via visual dashboards to guide better resource allocation and emergency planning. Effort towards safer roads Through these data tools and interventions, the government aims to make roads in Madhya Pradesh safer.Experts say combining accurate data, quick medical response, better road design, and strict enforcement can significantly bring down fatalities in the state.