The notification of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025 is a commendable and much-needed intervention aimed at addressing the growing concerns regarding road safety. Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a disturbing rise in road accidents over the past few years. As per the data provided in the notification, the number of registered vehicles in the region has surpassed 22.66 lakh. In 2022, the UT reported 6,092 road accidents, resulting in 805 fatalities. The situation worsened in 2023, with 6,298 accidents and 893 deaths. These statistics highlight the urgent need for immediate and effective measures to curb the increasing accident rate and enhance road safety. A significant portion of these accidents-40 percent-have been concentrated in Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua districts, indicating that specific regional challenges contribute to the crisis. These may include poorly maintained roads, lack of enforcement of traffic rules, reckless driving, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these issues through a structured policy framework is the need of the hour.
The Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025 aims to reduce road accidents and fatalities by 50 percent by the year 2030. This ambitious yet necessary goal will be achieved through a series of measures involving all stakeholders, including the Motor Vehicles Department, Traffic Police, development authorities, and the general public. A pivotal aspect of the policy is the establishment of a robust institutional mechanism to strengthen road safety measures. The formation of the State Road Safety Council, chaired by the Minister in charge of Transport, and the appointment of a lead agency under the Additional Transport Commissioner will ensure a structured approach to the implementation of safety measures. This administrative framework is crucial in ensuring accountability, coordination, and the effective execution of the policy’s objectives.
One of the policy’s most pragmatic elements is its focus on identifying accident-prone areas, commonly referred to as black spots. The District Road Development Committees will be tasked with regularly identifying these spots and ensuring corrective actions within six months. Such a proactive approach will significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by infrastructural deficiencies. Additionally, the policy mandates the establishment of an accountability mechanism for contractors and consultants responsible for poorly constructed or maintained roads, ensuring better quality control in road development projects.
Creating awareness about traffic rules, the dangers of reckless driving, and the consequences of road accidents will help instil a culture of responsible driving among the public. Furthermore, the policy rightly stresses the need for improving interdepartmental coordination for better traffic management. Strict penalties for traffic violations will act as a deterrent against rash driving and other dangerous behaviours on the road.
A major contributor to road congestion and accidents in urban areas is the lack of adequate parking spaces. The new policy mandates that parking spaces should be created by development authorities and a parking policy will be notified to ensure that vehicle owners have designated parking before purchasing a vehicle. This will help reduce unauthorised roadside parking, which often leads to traffic congestion and accidents. Additionally, the policy proposes charging for roadside parking, with fees increasing over time, to discourage long-term occupation of public spaces by private vehicles. To alleviate pressure on roads, the Government is also planning to encourage the use of public transport over private vehicles. Furthermore, the introduction of a non-motorised transport policy will promote the rights of cyclists and pedestrians, ensuring that road safety is inclusive of all users, not just motorised vehicle owners.
However, the success of the policy will ultimately depend on efficient implementation and strict adherence to the outlined measures. The Government must ensure that all concerned departments and stakeholders are held accountable for executing their respective responsibilities. Periodic reviews and updates to the policy will be essential in ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness. Safe roads are not just an infrastructural necessity but a fundamental right of every citizen, and this policy is a crucial step in realising that vision.
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