The steady decline in road accidents across Jammu and Kashmir over the past three years reflects measurable progress backed by data-driven governance and coordinated enforcement. Official figures indicate that total road accidents have fallen from 6,120 in 2023 to 5,726 in 2024 and further to 5,287 in 2025, marking a cumulative reduction of 13.6 percent within this period. In a region where expanding vehicle numbers and difficult terrain often increase risk, this downward trend carries significant importance.
A key contributor to this improvement has been the full transition to the e-challan system. In 2024 alone, enforcement agencies issued 40,197 e-challans, seized 429 vehicles, and suspended 2,259 driving licences for violations. The drive intensified in 2025, with 52,543 e-challans issued, 1,528 vehicles seized and 1,641 driving licenses suspended. Authorities also blacklisted 10,439 vehicles and cancelled 1,192 registration certificates during 2025, demonstrating a stricter stance on repeat offenders and non-compliance. Preventive outreach has accompanied enforcement. More than 10,000 road safety awareness programmes were conducted each year in 2024 and 2025 across districts. These initiatives included driver health and eye check-ups, first aid training sessions, and public engagement campaigns aimed at improving compliance and behavioural awareness. The integration of the Good Samaritan provisions and the Road Accident Victim Fund has further strengthened emergency response. Under the compensation framework, financial assistance continues at Rs 1 lakh for death, Rs 75,000 for permanent disability, Rs 50,000 for grievous injury and Rs 10,000 for minor injury. Institutional audits have also formed part of the reform process. In 2025, 4,545 registered school buses were inspected, with 472 identified as defective. Of these, 450 rectified the deficiencies after receiving formal notices. Inspections were carried out in 102 driving training schools, of which 81 were found compliant, and 21 were served notices for shortcomings. These measures reflect targeted oversight in high-risk and vulnerable segments. Technology and infrastructure strengthening have further supported enforcement. The government procured 213 motorcycles, 19 mobile interceptor vehicles, 16 highway patrol vehicles, 23 cranes, 685 body-worn cameras, and 64 breath alcohol analyzers under the Road Safety Fund to enhance field operations. Intelligent Traffic Management Systems have become operational in Jammu and Srinagar under the Smart City framework. Additionally, a Rs 107.32 crore project covering 25 junctions and 188 corridors has been planned to expand such systems across the Union Territory. Regulatory oversight has extended to safety gear as well. The Legal Metrology Department inspected 218 helmet sellers, booked 69 cases, and seized 4,750 substandard helmets to ensure compliance with safety standards. Together, these measures illustrate a structured approach that combines awareness, enforcement, infrastructure audits, and digital monitoring. The reduction from 6,120 accidents in 2023 to 5,287 in 2025 represents more than a statistical shift. It reflects consistent administrative effort, stronger institutional capacity, and growing public awareness. While continued vigilance remains necessary in the face of rising vehicle density and road expansion, the data suggest that coordinated, technology-supported interventions are contributing to safer roads across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir merits appreciation for its steady and thoughtful approach to improving road safety through data-driven strategies and enhanced enforcement. The consistent decline in accidents reflects coordinated institutional effort and growing public awareness. With continued focus on smart traffic systems, regular driver education, compliance monitoring, and sustained outreach initiatives, the Union Territory can further strengthen these gains and nurture a culture of safer, more responsible road use for all.