Over 6,800 pedestrian deaths in Karnataka in three years, data shows

Karnataka recorded 6,844 pedestrian deaths between 2022 and 2024, according to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

A year-wise analysis of the data shows that pedestrian fatalities have remained consistently high. In 2022, the State reported 2,105 deaths, which rose sharply to 2,418 in 2023 before slightly declining to 2,321 in 2024 (provisional). However, data for 2025 was not provided in the reply.

Across India, pedestrian deaths increased from 32,825 in 2022 to 35,221 in 2023 and further to 36,526 in 2024 (provisional), indicating that pedestrian safety remains a critical challenge nationwide.

Pedestrian safety norms

In his reply to the Rajya Sabha recently, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stated that road development, particularly on National Highways, is carried out in accordance with the Indian Roads Congress guidelines, including IRC:103-2022, which focusses on pedestrian facilities.

“Pedestrian infrastructure — such as pedestrian underpasses, footpaths, foot-over bridges, and pedestrian crossings — is provided based on detailed surveys and site requirements as per IRC:103-2022 ‘Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities’ to ensure pedestrian safety,” he said.

“Based on the category of road and traffic volume, various traffic calming measures such as transverse bar markings, rumble strips, raised pedestrian crossings, speed tables, etc. are adopted for speed management to ensure the safety of pedestrians alongside vehicle mobility. Further, road safety audit is conducted on all National Highways (NHs) at the design, construction, and pre-opening stage of National Highway projects as well as on existing NHs for ensuring safety of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users,” Mr. Gadkari added.

Expert calls for safer streets

Cities like Bengaluru continue to struggle with pedestrian safety issues such as encroached or discontinuous footpaths, inadequate crossings, and poor enforcement of traffic rules.

Transport expert M.N. Srihari said, “Reducing pedestrian deaths requires a shift in how cities are designed. Authorities must ensure continuous footpaths, safer crossings at regular intervals, and strict speed enforcement, especially in urban areas like Bengaluru, where pedestrian movement is high.”

He added that adopting a “complete streets” approach, where pedestrians are prioritised alongside vehicles and conducting regular safety audits can significantly reduce fatalities.

Design shift

Speaking about pedestrian safety on highways, where people often cross high-speed corridors due to the lack of proper fencing or foot overbridges, Mr. Srihari said, “Preventing pedestrian deaths on highways requires a fundamental shift in design and enforcement.”

He said authorities like NHAI must move beyond vehicle-centric planning and adopt a ‘safe systems’ approach. “This means building continuous service roads, installing well-lit pedestrian underpasses or foot overbridges at regular intervals, and ensuring safe crossing points near habitations. No highway should cut through communities without providing safe, accessible pedestrian infrastructure,” he explained.