Rural Kashmir records sharp decline in road accidents, fatalities in 2025

Umar Raina
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31 Dec 2025

Srinagar, Dec 31: Kashmir’s rural road network witnessed a significant improvement in road safety during 2025, with road accidents declining by 15 per cent and fatalities reducing by 22 per cent compared to 2024. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir, RP Singh, said the positive trend reflects sustained enforcement, large-scale awareness campaigns and coordinated efforts by multiple stakeholders aimed at saving precious lives. “Compared to 2024, we have managed to reduce road accidents by 15 per cent and fatalities by 22 per cent. This is a collective achievement,” he said. Sharing official data, the SSP said that in 2024, rural Kashmir recorded 1,729 road accidents resulting in 279 deaths and 2,398 injuries. “This year, the number of accidents has come down to around 1,502, with a substantial reduction in both deaths and injuries. Overall, we have reduced accidents and fatalities by more than 210 cases,” he added. Singh attributed the improvement to the relentless efforts of the traffic police team and the active cooperation of stakeholders, including district police, civil administration, municipal authorities, engineers, educational institutions, NGOs and the media. “Our engineering teams, civil administration, municipal authorities and beacon agencies have worked shoulder to shoulder with us. Students from colleges, higher secondary schools and members of NGOs also played a crucial role in spreading awareness,” he said, acknowledging the role of the media in reinforcing road safety messaging. He further said that strict action was taken against traffic violations, including dangerous stunts. “At least 30 persons involved in stunts were identified, counselled and booked as per the law,” he said. Highlighting a change in public behaviour, the SSP noted a visible improvement in traffic discipline, especially in rural areas. “Across all nine rural districts and PD districts, people are following lane discipline, avoiding mobile phone use while driving, and complying with safety norms. Nearly 80 per cent of motorists are wearing seatbelts and around 90 per cent of two-wheeler riders are wearing helmets,” he said. He also pointed to better pedestrian movement and reduced congestion. “Footpaths, which were earlier encroached upon, are now visible, allowing pedestrians to move freely. Wrong parking has reduced significantly, which has eased traffic jams,” he said. Reiterating that the primary objective of the Traffic Department is saving lives, SSP Singh said efforts would be intensified further in the coming year. “Any accident, injury or death shatters an entire family. Our mission is to prevent that loss. We have instructed our teams to further lower accident and fatality rates in the coming year,” he said. Thanking journalists for their support, he said media coverage plays a vital role in shaping public behaviour. “Your pen, your words and your positivity encourage us and help spread awareness. We look forward to continued cooperation in the future,” he added.