Every year, 300 people die, 700 others suffer injuries in road accidents involving TGSRTC buses: Report
A majority of those killed are two-wheeler riders, while pedestrians and even bus passengers are increasingly at risk
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
File Photo
Hyderabad: A government report has revealed that every year, 300 people are killed and nearly 700 others are injured in road accidents involving state-run transport buses.
A majority of those killed are two-wheeler riders, while pedestrians and even bus passengers are increasingly at risk.
A report submitted by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) to the State government shows that from 2022–23 to November 2025, RTC buses were involved in 2,804 accidents, resulting in 1,166 deaths and 2,823 injuries.
The data was shared as part of the National Road Safety Month, which began on January 1.
Rising toll on roads
The report highlights that RTC-related accidents continue to impose a high human cost, with road users other than bus passengers accounting for most fatalities. Two-wheeler riders and pedestrians together form the largest share of victims, pointing to increased vulnerability on urban and highway roads.
Compensation burden crosses ₹75 Cr annually
RTC accidents have also led to a substantial financial burden. The corporation pays over ₹75 crore every year as compensation to victims’ families and the injured. Between 2022–23 and November 2025, ₹291.01 crore was paid as compensation, reflecting the scale of the issue.
Accident rate ‘Low’ when measured by kilometres: RTC
While acknowledging the severity of accidents, RTC officials told the government that when calculated against total kilometres operated, the accident rate stands at 0.07 per lakh kilometres.
Owned buses: 0.06
Hired buses: 0.08
Officials argue that the rate is comparatively low, given the vast operational footprint of RTC services.
Causes: Speeding, Mobile Use, Poor Road Design
The report attributes accidents to multiple factors:
Overspeeding and mobile phone usage by some drivers
Defective road design and engineering flaws
Absence of proper warning signage
Negligence by other motorists and pedestrians
Experts note that a combination of driver behaviour and infrastructure gaps continues to undermine road safety.
Who are the victims?
Break-up of fatalities in RTC bus accidents:
Two-wheeler riders: 562
Pedestrians: 314
RTC passengers: 124
Car and other vehicle occupants: 61
Auto-rickshaw drivers: 53
Cyclists: 25
Tractor, lorry, and medium vehicle users: 17
Bullock carts and others: 10
Accidents and compensation rise year after year
Year-wise data shows a steady rise in both accidents and compensation payouts. In the financial year 2022–23, RTC buses were involved in 743 accidents, resulting in 307 deaths, with ₹59.88 crore paid as compensation.
The numbers increased in 2023–24, when 795 accidents claimed 330 lives, pushing compensation to ₹73.80 crore. In 2024–25, accidents marginally declined to 754, but fatalities remained high at 315, while compensation rose sharply to ₹83.07 crore.
During 2025–26, up to November 2025, 512 accidents have already resulted in 214 deaths, with compensation payouts touching ₹74.26 crore, indicating that both the human and financial toll remain significant.
Call for stronger safety measures
With RTC buses increasingly involved in fatal road mishaps, transport and road safety experts stress the need for stricter monitoring of drivers, enhanced training, improved road engineering, and better coordination with traffic authorities to curb deaths and restore confidence in public transport.
