1,000 accidents, 210 fatalities this year: SSP Singh
Srinagar, Dec 31: Kashmir valley’s rural areas saw an improvement in road safety in 2025, recording a 15 per cent decline in accidents and a 22 per cent reduction in fatalities compared to the previous year, officials said on Wednesday.
According to official data shared by SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir, RP Singh, during a year-end press conference at the Police Control Room (PCR) in Srinagar, the efforts in enforcement and awareness campaigns have started to pay off.
The SSP, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that this year, 1,000 accidents and 210 deaths were reported in rural areas, down from 1,179 accidents and 279 deaths in 2024.
“As compared to 2024, the year 2025 witnessed a 15 per cent decrease in accidents and a 22 per cent decline in deaths. The results show that consistent enforcement and awareness campaigns can save lives,” he said.
Singh attributed the improvement to collective efforts between the district police, civil and municipal administration, engineering wings, Beacon authorities, and educational institutions.
The SSP said strict enforcement drives, continuous monitoring and community participation have significantly contributed to better compliance on the roads.
“The purpose of these drives is to save lives and ensure safer roads. Every life lost in an accident leaves a family devastated. Our mission is to prevent that,” he said, adding that the department’s strategy focused equally on enforcement and awareness.
Awareness and behavioural change
SSP Singh said that the year 2025 saw major behavioural changes among commuters. Nearly 80 per cent of four-wheeler drivers now wear seatbelts, while 90 per cent of two-wheeler riders use helmets—a noticeable improvement from previous years.
He said that even shopkeepers and pedestrians are cooperating more, by avoiding roadside encroachments and using footpaths, thus contributing to smoother and safer traffic movement.
“The media has also played a vital role in spreading our messages and ensuring compliance. Your encouragement has kept us on track,” Singh told reporters, acknowledging the press and civil society’s contribution to the safety campaigns.
Partnerships and public involvement
The SSP hailed the role of NGOs, student volunteers, NCC cadets and higher secondary school students who actively participated in awareness campaigns, road safety weeks and traffic discipline drives.
Such initiatives, he said, not only improved compliance but also helped develop a sense of civic responsibility among young people.
“Our partnership with educational institutions and community groups has amplified awareness. People now understand that road safety is a shared responsibility,” he said.
Focus on engineering and infrastructure
The Traffic Rural Kashmir, in coordination with Beacon and engineering wings, has also identified and rectified several accident-prone zones. The department focused on improving road engineering, signage, visibility and speed-control measures across critical stretches of rural highways.
Singh said the department continues to engage with local administrations to eliminate black spots and enhance road infrastructure, especially in hilly and snow-prone areas.
Way forward for 2026
Looking ahead, the SSP called for sustaining the gains achieved in 2025 through stricter enforcement, public cooperation, and continuous awareness campaigns.
He said the department’s upcoming year plan includes the introduction of technology-based monitoring, smart surveillance tools and enhanced coordination with district-level authorities.
“The mission is not just fewer accidents but building a culture of responsibility on the roads. Every safe journey reflects our success,” SSP Singh added. (KNO)
