Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of registered vehicles, crossing 22.66 lakh, while road accidents continue to claim 2-3 lives daily, according to official data.
In 2022, J&K reported 6,092 road accidents, resulting in 805 fatalities. The number increased in 2023, with 6,298 accidents and 893 deaths, highlighting a growing concern over road safety in the region, the data reads.
To curb road accidents and fatalities, the J&K government has introduced The Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025, adopting an integrated and holistic approach to improving road safety. The policy aims to reduce accidents and fatalities by 50% by 2030 through coordinated efforts with stakeholders and government agencies.
Key Initiatives Under the New Policy:
Institutional Strengthening: A State Road Safety Council will be headed by the Minister In-charge Transport, along with a lead agency under the Additional Transport Commissioner.
Accident-Prone Areas Identification: District Road Safety Committees (DRDCs) will identify accident-prone zones every six months and implement corrective measures.
Accountability for Poor Infrastructure: Contractors and consultants responsible for poorly constructed roads will face penalties, including blacklisting.
Parking Regulations: Development Authorities will enforce a parking policy, requiring vehicle owners to ensure parking space before purchasing a vehicle. Roadside parking will be chargeable, with increasing fees over time.
Public Transport Promotion: The government will implement policies to encourage public transport usage over private vehicles, reducing congestion on roads.
Non-Motorized Transport Policy: The government will introduce a policy recognizing the rights of non-motorized road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.
Transport Minister Satish Sharma expressed confidence that the new Road Safety Policy will enhance traffic enforcement in collaboration with the J&K Traffic Police and Motor Vehicles Department. He assured that enforcement agencies will be equipped and trained to handle road safety measures professionally and effectively. (KINS)
