NEW DELHI: Potholes took a deadly toll in 2017, claiming almost 10 lives daily with annual fatalities in the country adding up to 3,597 — a more than 50% rise over the toll for 2016.Maharashtra recorded a doubling of deaths at 726 year on year — disheartening evidence that road safety remains a casualty in India .The magnitude of the problem can be understood from the fact that terrorist activities in India, Naxal attacks included, claimed 803 lives, including that of terrorists, security personnel and civilians, in 2017.The ‘pothole deaths’ have stirred a debate on inefficiency of and corruption in municipal and road-owning authorities with the government launching campaigns to improve public awareness. But the craters remain a major hazard, with lack of road discipline and many two-wheeler riders not using helmets aggravating the risks.According to data shared by states with the Centre, Uttar Pradesh logged most such deaths at 987. Two other states that have fared poorly are Haryana and Gujarat. The former reported 522 deaths last year, while it had reported no such fatalities in 2016. Eight people died in Delhi due to pothole-related accidents in 2017 against none the previous year.The number of people killed near or on roads under construction also increased from 3,878 in 2016 to 4,250 last year.Commenting on the situation, road safety expert Rohit Baluja said negligent officials should be booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder under IPC.Union road ministry officials say the provision of fine against officials has been made in the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill, considering high number of deaths due to faulty design of roads, poor maintenance and negligence in fixing problems.The bill is stuck in Parliament due to frequent disruptions in proceedings.“The legislation does not clearly spell out how to book authorities. How can government fix the price of a life at Rs 2 lakh or Rs 5 lakh?” Baluja asked.K K Kapila, chairman of the International Road Federation said the proposed amendments in the law will pave the way for safer roads. “We have been urging the MPs to pass the bill rising above their party lines,” he said.