SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have witnessed a fluctuating trend in road accidents over the past five years, with authorities now intensifying measures to curb fatalities and enhance road safety.
According to government data, Jammu and Kashmir reported 5,978 accidents in 2018, which declined to 5,796 in 2019 and further dropped to 4,860 in 2020. However, a resurgence was noted with 5,452 accidents in 2021 and 6,092 in 2022. Similarly, Ladakh saw 236 accidents in 2018, with a rise to 374 in subsequent years.
Fatalities due to road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir have also shown a concerning trend. In 2018, 984 people lost their lives, followed by a slight increase to 996 in 2019. The number dropped to 728 in 2020 but rose again to 774 in 2021 and 805 in 2022. Meanwhile, Ladakh recorded 56 deaths in 2021 and 62 in 2022, underscoring the urgent need for targeted road safety interventions.
The government has launched multiple initiatives to address the rising concerns. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been working on upgrading infrastructure, including black spot identification and rectification, improving road signage, and constructing safer highways. Additionally, stricter traffic enforcement measures, awareness campaigns, and the promotion of defensive driving techniques are being implemented to reduce human error-related accidents.
In the difficult terrain of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, authorities are also prioritising the development of all-weather roads and improved maintenance to prevent accidents caused by adverse weather conditions and challenging landscapes. The introduction of intelligent traffic management systems, better emergency response mechanisms, and the deployment of advanced surveillance technology further reinforce efforts to ensure safer roads.
