Bhubaneswar: Road accident fatalities in the state have risen in 2025 compared to 2024, informed Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena in the Assembly today. The statement was given in response to a query by MLA Tara Bahinipati

As per official data, the number of injured persons in road accidents has remained nearly unchanged while the daily death toll has risen from 17 in 2024 to 18 in 2025. The figures are based on findings from a research report by IIT Madras, which has been accessed by the Crime Branch.

In 2024, a total of 6,142 people lost their lives in road accidents. This number has increased to 6,483 in 2025. Over the two-year period, road accidents have claimed 12,625 lives, highlighting the severity of the situation. The report also reveals that 325 accident-prone “black spots” have been identified across the state.

Despite various initiatives and tighter enforcement by both state and central authorities—including the imposition of hefty fines on traffic rule violators—road accidents remain a serious issue, Jena informed. Reckless driving continues to be a leading cause, while inadequate road conditions in some areas are also contributing to the increasing number of accidents.

Authorities are expected to intensify efforts to address both driver behavior and infrastructure issues in order to curb the growing number of fatalities.

Also read: 27,167 lives lost in road accidents in Odisha over past five years: Minister