Srinagar, Aug 6: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an increase in road accidents, claiming 2-3 lives on average daily.
According to official figures, at least 4,200 road accident deaths have been reported over the last five years in Jammu and Kashmir, indicating 800 lives lost annually in the Union Territory. The figures reveal that two to three deaths are reported daily in J&K.
In the first six months of this year, figures available with Morning Kashmir reveal that 417 deaths related to road accidents have been reported, in addition to 3,894 people being injured.
Most accidents take place in the twin capitals of Jammu and Kashmir, with the Chenab Valley, particularly Doda district, experiencing a notable surge in accidents due to factors like challenging terrain, increased vehicle numbers, inadequate road infrastructure, negligent driving, and worn-out vehicles.
According to officials, the primary cause of these accidents is “overspeeding.”
The absence of trauma centres on highways in Jammu and Kashmir contributes to delays and a higher fatality rate than the national average
Emphasizing collective responsibility, an official stated that reducing road accidents is not solely the Traffic Department’s duty but requires broader community involvement. Despite recommendations from a House Committee urging action from relevant departments, including Transport, Traffic, and R&B, to address the escalating accidents, 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 official of the Traffic Department, said.
Similarly, J&K has added 1.7 million vehicles over the last 15 years, with the number now reaching around 2.4 million. In 2008, there were approximately 700,000 vehicles, and their number has since reached around 2.4 million, indicating 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.
