In a major initiative to curb road accidents and fatalities, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has introduced the Road Safety Policy 2025, adopting a comprehensive and coordinated approach to improve road safety across the region. The key features of the policy are as follows.
Rising concerns over road accidents
Road transport remains the most widely used mode of transportation in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the increasing number of vehicles and accidents has raised serious concerns.
According to official data, the region had 22.66 lakh registered vehicles in 2022, with 6,092 road accidents resulting in 805 fatalities that year.
In 2023, the number of accidents rose to 6,298, claiming 893 lives.
A significant 40 per cent of these accidents were reported in Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua, prompting the government to prioritise road safety measures, aiming to reduce accidents and fatalities by 50 per cent by 2030.
Key features of the policy
Institutional mechanism for road safety
The policy establishes a structured framework to ensure better coordination among government departments. A State Road Safety Council, chaired by the Transport Minister, will oversee implementation, while a lead agency led by an Additional Transport Commissioner will monitor road safety initiatives.
At the district level, District Road Safety Committees (DRSCs) will identify accident-prone areas or black spots and implement corrective measures within six months. The government will also hold contractors accountable for poor road construction, with provisions for blacklisting those who fail to meet safety standards.
Raising public awareness
Recognising the role of public awareness, the policy calls for extensive road safety campaigns through print, electronic, and social media. The government will collaborate with the Motor Vehicles Department, Traffic Police, and local communities to promote safer road practices.
Better traffic management and infrastructure
To ease congestion, the government will promote public transport over private vehicles and implement a Non-Motorised Transport Policy to safeguard pedestrians and cyclists. Development authorities will increase parking facilities, and a new policy will require vehicle owners to ensure parking space before purchase. Municipal authorities will introduce paid roadside parking, with charges increasing over time.
A commitment to safer roads
Transport Minister Satish Sharma said the policy will enhance traffic enforcement in Jammu and Kashmir.
