The rising number of road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024 is an alarming trend that underscores serious gaps in road safety and infrastructure planning. By October, the region had witnessed 4,990 accidents, resulting in 703 deaths and 6,820 injuries. Jammu district recorded the highest number of accidents, leading to 105 deaths. Urban areas like Srinagar also reported significant numbers, with 394 accidents causing 43 fatalities. However, it is in the mountainous districts of Ramban, Doda and Udhampur where the toll has been particularly devastating, with challenging terrains and narrow roads contributing to a large number of fatal accidents. These figures, staggering in both scale and impact, are a wake-up call for all stakeholders-Government agencies, law enforcement, and the public alike. The urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address this crisis is the need of the hour, as lives, livelihoods, and the well-being of many families get at stake.
The human cost of these accidents is immense. Behind every number lies a story of loss and grief-a breadwinner lost, a student’s future cut short, or a family plunged into economic hardship. For the injured, the ordeal often does not end with physical recovery. Long-term disabilities, medical expenses and emotional trauma continue to weigh heavily on both individuals and their families. These accidents also impose an enormous burden on the healthcare system, with hospitals and trauma centres struggling to manage the volume and severity of cases.
To understand the root causes of this crisis, one must look at several interlinked factors. The foremost among them is poor road infrastructure. In mountainous regions like Ramban and Doda, roads are often narrow, have maintenance issues and lack essential safety features such as guardrails and proper signage. Landslides and adverse weather conditions, common in these areas, only exacerbate the risk. In urban districts like Jammu and Srinagar, overcrowding and inadequate traffic management further contribute to the problem. Another significant factor is reckless driving. Speeding, overtaking on blind curves and violations of basic traffic rules are rampant across J&K. A lack of strict enforcement of traffic laws allows such behaviour to go unchecked, turning already hazardous roads into potential death traps. The crisis is further compounded by insufficient emergency response mechanisms. In many cases, victims of road accidents do not receive timely medical attention due to the lack of mobile connectivity and well-equipped trauma centres along major highways. This delay in treatment significantly increases the fatality rate and the severity of injuries.
The High Court has also noted the frequent major accidents and established a committee of experts to provide a detailed report on the causes. While the report highlighted various factors contributing to the issue, there has been a lack of follow-up with concrete ground-level action. After every major accident, there is an outcry, but year after year, consistent and effective corrective measures remain absent.
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach that combines infrastructure development, law enforcement, public awareness and community engagement. Upgrading road infrastructure should be the top priority, particularly in accident-prone districts like Ramban, Doda, and Udhampur. Roads need to be equipped with safety features like crash barriers, reflective markers and warning signs. Equally important is the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Using technology like speed cameras and imposing heavy penalties for violations can deter reckless behaviour. Awareness campaigns can instill a culture of responsible driving along with awareness about the importance of adhering to speed limits, wearing seat belts, and avoiding drunk driving. Encouraging the use of public transport can reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, easing congestion and lowering the risk of accidents.
The growing number of road accidents in J&K is not an inevitability but a result of systemic failures that can and must be addressed. The Government and all stakeholders must implement a comprehensive road safety strategy.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
