Accidents down by 15% in rural Kashmir
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Dec 31: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Traffic City Srinagar, Aijaz Ahmad, today said the disposal of traffic challans in the city has improved significantly, rising to 56 percent compared to 23 percent earlier.
Addressing a year-end press conference here, the SSP also said that a list of repeat violators has been forwarded to the authorities for impoundment of driving licences.
He noted that congestion in the city is largely linked to infrastructure constraints rather than enforcement shortcomings, stressing that corrective measures are being taken on a continuous basis.
Click here to watch video
The SSP further highlighted that traffic volume in the city has increased substantially, putting additional pressure on traffic personnel.
“The traffic situation will improve only when infrastructure improves. We have consistently highlighted bottlenecks and suggested both short-term and long-term measures to the authorities. Many of our recommendations have been accepted, and the process is ongoing,” Aizaz said.
He said several interventions have already yielded results, including the removal of certain intersections in downtown areas, introduction of one-way movement at Rajouri Kadal to improve mobility, and restrictions on e-rickshaws, which have eased traffic flow at key locations.
On enforcement, the SSP said the department focused on clearing pending challans by deploying dedicated teams.
“This year, disposal of challans improved to 56 percent compared to 23 percent earlier. Around Rs 3 crore revenue has been generated and pendency significantly reduced,” he said.
SSP added that lists of repeat violators have been forwarded to the authorities for licence impoundment and stressed that pollution and other clearances are linked to the settlement of challans.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic Rural, R.P. Singh, in a separate year-end press conference said rural areas of Kashmir recorded a significant improvement in road safety in 2025, with a 15 percent decline in road accidents and a 22 percent reduction in fatalities compared to the previous year.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh said sustained enforcement, awareness drives and collective efforts by multiple stakeholders helped bring down accident numbers.
He said rural Kashmir reported 1,502 road accidents and 210 fatalities in 2025, compared to 1,729 accidents and 279 deaths in 2024, while injuries also showed a downward trend.
He said around 30 incidents of dangerous stunts were reported during the year, with violators counselled and booked, adding that public feedback has been effective and acted upon.
Singh also noted positive behavioural changes among commuters, with nearly 80 percent of drivers wearing seatbelts and around 90 percent of two-wheeler riders using helmets.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
