Srinagar: At least ten individuals lost their lives when a passenger vehicle they were traveling in veered off the road and plunged into a 300-foot-deep gorge early on Friday morning near Battery Chashma along the Srinagar-Jammu highway in n. Officials stated that among the deceased, eight were residents of Bihar.
The officials said the Tavera vehicle was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar with 10 passengers when the accident occurred, causing it to fall into the gorge near Battery Chashma. Anuj Kumar, SSP n, informed Kashmir Horizon that the tragic incident involving a passenger taxi occurred around 1 AM on Friday. Police, along with SDRF and civil QRT n, promptly reached the scene and initiated a rescue operation. “We have recovered 10 bodies from the site, and the process of identification is underway. Four bodies have been identified so far,” he said . SSP Kumar added that the information regarding the incident was received around 1:15 AM, reporting that a vehicle (Tavera) carrying passengers from Jammu to Kashmir had rolled down a deep gorge near Battery Chashma on NH-44. Among the identified victims were the vehicle’s driver, Balwan Singh (47), a resident of Amb Gharota, Jammu, and Vipin Mukhiya, a resident of Bhairagang, West Champaran, Bihar. Two others from West Champaran have also been identified.
Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, DC n, confirmed the conclusion of the rescue operation at Battery Chesman, with the recovery of 10 bodies, including that of the driver from Jammu. He mentioned that the identification process for the other workers is ongoing. The PRO Defense Jammu reported that the Indian Army, along with n Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and volunteers, collaborated in the recovery and evacuation efforts following the accident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the affected families. The Prime Minister’s Office announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased.
President Droupadi Murmu and Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha also conveyed their condolences and assured assistance to the bereaved families. This tragic accident echoes a similar incident last year on November 15, when 39 passengers lost their lives and 17 others were injured as a bus fell into a deep gorge in Doda district.
Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, a vital lifeline for transportation, has become a notorious hotspot for road accidents, claiming a shocking 1155 lives over the past five years. This alarming figure underscores the critical need for immediate enhancements in road safety along this crucial route. Data released by the Traffic Department paints a harrowing picture of the National Highway’s toll: 211 fatalities in 2019, 178 in 2020, 271 in 2021, 261 in 2022, and an additional 234 lives lost in 2023. Particularly concerning is the Chenab Valley region, which has significantly contributed to the staggering toll, resulting in a total of 4,251 road accident fatalities across Jammu and Kashmir during this period. On average, two lives are lost daily due to road accidents in the union territory since 2019, serving as a stark reminder of the pressing need for decisive action. While road safety remains a concern throughout the entire union territory, the disproportionate burden of tragedy falls on the National Highway and Chenab Valley. Regrettably, the trend of road accidents persists in the current year as well. Up until January, 55 individuals have lost their lives in 398 accidents across the region, with 486 sustaining injuries. The Kashmir division accounted for 284 accidents resulting in 17 fatalities, while the Jammu division reported 114 accidents claiming 38 lives. In 2023, a staggering 893 lives were lost in road accidents across Jammu and Kashmir, with 6,298 accidents recorded and 8,469 individuals sustaining injuries. The previous years paint a similarly grim picture: 805 fatalities in 2022, 774 in 2021, 728 in the pandemic year of 2020, and a shocking 996 in 2019. As the mounting statistics weigh heavily, authorities and stakeholders are under immense pressure to implement comprehensive measures to address road safety, particularly along the perilous Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and in the Chenab Valley region, in order to stem the tide of avoidable loss of life. There is a need to enhance road infrastructure along the Srinagar-Jammu highway by widening narrow sections, repairing potholes, and installing safety barriers at vulnerable areas, especially near steep cliffs or sharp turns. Regular maintenance checks should be conducted to ensure the highway is in optimal condition, including prompt repairs of damaged sections and addressing landslide-prone areas. Install advanced warning systems such as reflective road signs, speed limit indicators, and electronic message boards to alert drivers about hazardous conditions ahead. These systems can provide crucial information to drivers, helping them anticipate and navigate potential dangers more effectively. Increase the visibility of road signs, particularly those indicating sharp curves, steep gradients, and accident-prone zones. Clear and understandable signage is essential for guiding drivers safely along the highway, reducing the risk of confusion or misinterpretation. Strengthen traffic enforcement measures by deploying more police patrols, speed cameras, and checkpoints along the Srinagar-Jammu highway. Strict enforcement of traffic regulations can deter reckless driving behavior and promote safer driving habits among motorists. Conduct awareness campaigns and driver education programs to educate motorists about safe driving practices, including maintaining appropriate speeds, avoiding distractions, and using seat belts. Education plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of responsible driving and reducing the likelihood of accidents. Improve emergency response capabilities by establishing well-equipped rescue stations along the highway and training first responders to efficiently handle accidents and medical emergencies. Quick and effective response to accidents can minimize injuries and save lives, underscoring the importance of investing in emergency preparedness. Involve local communities living along the highway in road safety initiatives, encouraging them to report hazards and participate in cleanup activities to maintain road cleanliness. Community engagement fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for road safety, leading to greater cooperation in addressing safety concerns. Encourage the use of public transportation options as an alternative to private vehicles on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. Promoting public transit reduces congestion and the risk of accidents, while also offering commuters a convenient and sustainable travel option.