Jammu and Kashmir has reported around 2,500 road accident deaths over the last three years, indicating that, on average, 2-3 lives are lost daily in the Union Territory. According to official data accessed by the news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), road accidents have claimed around 2,500 lives over the past three years in Jammu and Kashmir.
In the first six months of this year alone, 417 deaths related to road accidents have been reported, with an additional 3,894 people injured. Most accidents occur in the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar, while the Chenab Valley, particularly Doda district, has seen a significant increase in accidents.
Factors such as challenging terrain, a growing number of vehicles, inadequate road infrastructure, negligent driving, and worn-out vehicles contribute to this rise. The primary cause of these accidents, according to officials, is “over speeding.”The lack of trauma centers along highways in Jammu and Kashmir leads to delays in medical assistance, resulting in a higher fatality rate compared to the national average.
Highlighting the need for collective responsibility, an official said that reducing road accidents is not solely the duty of the Traffic Department but requires broader community involvement. Despite recommendations from a House Committee urging relevant departments—including Transport, Traffic, and R&B—to take action, official sources indicate a failure to implement these suggestions.
“The challenge remains multifaceted, demanding a comprehensive approach beyond law enforcement. Road safety measures and awareness campaigns are of utmost importance to protect commuters’ lives and reduce the tragic toll of road accidents,” a senior Traffic Department official said.Additionally, J&K has added 1.7 million vehicles over the last 15 years, with the total number now reaching around 2.4 million.
In 2008, there were approximately 700,000 vehicles, and their number has since risen to around 2.4 million, marking an over 300 percent increase in traffic over the last 15 years.“Road density has increased by only 40 percent in the last 10 years, but roads are facing a heavy rush of vehicles,” a senior government official said. (KINS)