JAMMU, MAR 14: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday has notified “The Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025”, committing to reducing road accidents and fatalities by 50% by 2030. The policy underscores a holistic approach to addressing road safety concerns, given the rising number of accidents in the Union Territory.
According to the notification, J&K has over 22.66 lakh registered vehicles, and accident data from previous years highlights the urgent need for preventive measures. In 2022, 6,092 road accidents were reported, resulting in 805 fatalities, while in 2023, 6,298 accidents led to 893 deaths. Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua districts account for 40% of all accidents, emphasizing the need for intervention.
The government plans to strengthen institutional mechanisms for road safety by constituting a State Road Safety Council, headed by the Transport Minister, and a lead agency, led by an Additional Transport Commissioner. Additionally, District Road Safety Committees (DRDCs) will identify accident-prone areas/black spots every six months, implementing corrective measures through improved planning, design, and construction techniques.
To ensure accountability, defaulting contractors and consultants responsible for poorly constructed or maintained roads will face blacklisting. The Development Authorities have also been directed to create more parking spaces, with a parking policy mandating vehicle owners to have parking provisions before purchase. Authorities will also introduce roadside parking charges that increase exponentially with time.
The policy aims to reduce dependence on private transport by promoting an efficient public transport system and introducing a Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) policy to protect pedestrians and cyclists.
Transport Minister Satish Sharma expressed confidence in the Road Safety Policy 2025, stating that it will improve traffic enforcement through better coordination between the J&K Traffic Police and the Motor Vehicles Department. He assured that enforcement agencies will receive specialized training and equipment to enhance their effectiveness in managing road safety.
