In a shocking revelation during Bihar Legislative Council proceedings, over 50,000 people have lost their lives in road accidents across the state in the past seven years. Thousands more have been injured in these tragic incidents, painting a grim picture of road safety in one of India’s most populous states.
The alarming figures came to light when independent MLC Maheshwar Singh raised concerns about the high number of fatalities in East Champaran district, specifically Motihari, where 393 lives were lost in 2025 alone. Singh demanded to know what measures the state government is taking to curb this rising menace.
Road Construction Minister Dilip Jaiswal responded with stark statistics, confirming the crisis. Citing National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, he noted that from 2019 to 2026, 50,941 individuals perished in road mishaps, with nearly 44,000 others sustaining injuries. Disturbingly, about 50% of the victims were young adults aged 18 to 35, underscoring a generational loss.
Jaiswal acknowledged the surge in accidents statewide and identified 1,044 black spots—high-risk locations prone to frequent crashes. The government is actively addressing these through departmental interventions, awareness campaigns, installation of safety signage, and expanding zebra crossings where needed.
The debate intensified with questions about Atal Path, a modern highway now infamous for its dangers. Congress MLC Samir Kumar Singh highlighted constant accident reports, questioning speed control measures and pedestrian safety. Despite foot overbridges and service roads, footage shows minimal usage, pointing to a lack of public awareness.
Minister Jaiswal defended the infrastructure, stating it meets all standards, but emphasized the need for behavioral change among road users. As Bihar grapples with this epidemic of road deaths, urgent, multi-pronged action is imperative to save lives and restore faith in the state’s roadways.