Hyderabad: Telangana recorded a modest decline in road fatalities in 2025, with 262 fewer deaths than the previous year. But behind the improvement lies a troubling reality: Pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users, with their death toll rising even as overall fatalities fell.The state reported 7,687 road deaths in 2025, down from 7,949 in 2024, while fatal accidents declined from 7,495 to 7,262. However, total road accidents increased from 25,986 to 27,236, indicating that roads remained dangerous despite a reduction in the severity of crashes.“The decline is encouraging, and it reflects the combined efforts of the transport department, traffic police and the people of Telangana. But each of these numbers represents a family that has suffered a loss, and 7,687 deaths in a year are far too many. We will keep strengthening enforcement and road safety awareness until these numbers fall much further,” transport commissioner K Ilambarithi said.The improvement came largely in the second half of the year. Road deaths during July-Dec were 9.5% lower than in the corresponding period of 2024, with every month from Aug to Dec registering fewer fatalities. By contrast, deaths during the first six months of 2025 were 2.6% higher than the previous year. March 2025 was the deadliest month, claiming 780 lives.While fatalities among vehicle users showed a consistent decline, pedestrians remained exposed to growing risks. Pedestrian deaths rose from 1,586 in 2024 to 1,632 in 2025, accounting for more than one in every five road fatalities in the state. The data revealed that even though deaths among drivers and riders fell sharply, the combined toll among pedestrians and passengers remained unchanged at 4,055.Women were disproportionately affected. Of the 986 women killed in road accidents during the year, 948 were pedestrians or passengers. As a result, the decline in female fatalities was marginal at 0.8%, compared to 3.7% among men.The figures point to a broader road safety challenge. People protected by vehicles are increasingly surviving crashes, but those outside vehicles continue to face significant risks from speeding, poor pedestrian infrastructure, unsafe crossings and encroached footpaths.Two-wheeler users continued to account for the largest share of fatalities, though deaths in this category fell 8% from 4,216 to 3,878. Fatalities among occupants of cars, taxis, vans and other light motor vehicles declined 11.5% from 651 to 576, while autorickshaw-related deaths dropped from 336 to 300.Safety compliance also remains a concern. Of the 576 people killed in light motor vehicle crashes, 383 were passengers, suggesting poor seat belt usage, particularly among rear-seat occupants. Among the 3,878 two-wheeler deaths, 1,030 were pillion riders, many of whom may not have been wearing helmets.Recognising the growing vulnerability of pedestrians, the Transport Department has directed road-owning agencies to clear footpath encroachments and improve walking infrastructure. It has also stressed stricter protection for pedestrians at designated crossings.“All pedestrian crossings are going to be monitored through CCTV-led enforcement, and any violation will be dealt with strictly,” a transport department official said.Despite the rise in overall accidents, crash severity improved. Deaths per 100 accidents fell from 30.6 to 28.2, while the proportion of accidents resulting in fatalities declined from 28.8% to 26.7%.Officials said sustained enforcement, safer roads, better pedestrian facilities and wider compliance with helmet and seat belt rules will be critical if Telangana is to bring down its road death toll further. The 2025 data suggests that while progress is being made, the state’s biggest road safety challenge is no longer just protecting motorists, but ensuring that pedestrians can reach home safely.GFXTELANGANA ROAD DEATHS DIP 3.3% IN 20257,687 people killed in 2025, down from 7,949 in 2024262 fewer deaths year-on-year27,236 road accidents in 2025, up from 25,986 in 20247,262 fatal accidents, down from 7,4953,878 two-wheeler users killed, down 8%1,632 pedestrians killed, up from 1,5864,055 pedestrians and passengers killed, unchanged from 2024986 women killed; 96% were pedestrians or passengers28.2 deaths per 100 accidents in 2025, down from 30.6ONLINE ROAD SAFETY COURSE21,606 applicants registered18,093 applicants completed the course92% said it improved their road safety awareness4.4/5 average course ratingSource: Telangana Transport Department
