“The Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025 emphasizes a preventive strategy aimed at minimizing accidents and fatalities. The establishment of the State Road Safety Council, headed by the Minister in charge of Transport, marks a significant institutional upgrade.”
Road safety remains a pressing concern in Jammu and Kashmir, where the alarming rise in accidents and fatalities has become a major public health and safety issue. In response to this growing crisis, the Jammu and Kashmir government has unveiled ‘The Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025’ with an ambitious goal of reducing road mishaps and fatalities by 50% by 2030. This policy reflects a comprehensive and holistic approach towards ensuring safer roads through better enforcement, improved infrastructure, and heightened public awareness. Road transport is the most effective and widely used mode of transportation in the Union Territory (UT), with over 22.66 lakh registered vehicles plying its roads. However, the increasing number of vehicles has led to a concerning rise in accidents. In 2022, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 6092 road accidents resulting in 805 fatalities. The situation worsened in 2023 with 6298 accidents and 893 deaths. Such statistics underscore the urgent need for robust road safety mechanisms. The government has rightly identified key causes behind these accidents, including reckless driving, over speeding, poor road conditions, and inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations. Notably, Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua districts account for nearly 40% of the total accidents, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in these high-risk areas. To address these challenges, the Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025 emphasizes a preventive strategy aimed at minimizing accidents and fatalities. The establishment of the State Road Safety Council, headed by the Minister in charge of Transport, marks a significant institutional upgrade. This body, along with a lead agency led by the Additional Transport Commissioner, is tasked with coordinating road safety efforts across various stakeholders. One of the commendable aspects of the policy is its focus on identifying accident-prone areas or black spots every six months.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025 is a well-structured blueprint that holds the potential to transform the UT’s road safety landscape. By fostering coordination among stakeholders, strengthening accountability, and emphasizing preventive strategies, this policy sets the stage for safer and more efficient road networks. However, its success will ultimately depend on effective implementation and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.”
The District Road Safety Committees (DRDCs) will analyze accident data and recommend corrective actions, such as improved road design and construction techniques, to address these hazardous zones. Holding defaulting contractors and consultants accountable for poorly maintained roads is another noteworthy step that could enhance road quality. Moreover, the policy advocates for promoting road safety awareness among decision-makers and government departments. Public engagement is vital for fostering a culture of road discipline. Additionally, the introduction of a parking policy requiring vehicle owners to ensure parking space before purchasing vehicles is expected to alleviate roadside congestion. Municipal authorities will impose parking charges that increase over time to discourage long-term roadside parking. Reducing the burden on road infrastructure by promoting public transport over private vehicles is another innovative feature. Encouraging the use of public transport can significantly cut down traffic density and reduce the likelihood of accidents. The Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025 is a well-structured blueprint that holds the potential to transform the UT’s road safety landscape. By fostering coordination among stakeholders, strengthening accountability, and emphasizing preventive strategies, this policy sets the stage for safer and more efficient road networks. However, its success will ultimately depend on effective implementation and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
