The Jammu and Kashmir administration has reported a decrease in road accidents over the past three years, alongside the disbursement of over Rs 11.53 crore to victims through the Road Accident Victim Fund (RAVF).
Accident Numbers Show Downward Trend
According to information provided by the Transport Department, road accidents in the Union Territory have reduced from 5,726 in 2023 to 5,287 in 2025. This decline has been attributed to enhanced enforcement activities and a comprehensive series of road safety initiatives implemented across the region.
The government has actively engaged in large-scale awareness campaigns and enforcement drives, conducting more than 10,000 road safety awareness programs annually. Measures to improve driver preparedness have included health and eye check-ups for drivers, along with emergency response training.
Enhanced Enforcement Measures Implemented
Strict enforcement actions have significantly increased, with over 52,500 challans issued in 2025, compared to approximately 40,000 in 2024. Authorities have also taken action against serious violations through the cancellation of vehicle registrations, suspension of driving licences, and seizure of vehicles.
The enforcement agencies have fully transitioned to a 100 percent e-challaning system. This digital system is supported by modern surveillance and enforcement equipment, including interceptor vehicles, highway patrol units, breath analysers, and body-worn cameras, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of traffic law enforcement.
A notable focus has been placed on the safety of school transportation. Thousands of school buses have undergone audits to ensure compliance, with identified defects being rectified. The functionality of speed limiting devices in transport vehicles is also being verified during fitness checks.
Compensation and Technological Advancements
Information was available with The Chenab Times regarding the disbursement of compensation. A total of Rs 1,153.10 lakh has been released to various districts under the Road Accident Victim Fund, out of an allocated Rs 1,226.10 lakh. Jammu district received the largest allocation of Rs 204 lakh, followed by Doda with Rs 135 lakh and Kishtwar with Rs 134 lakh. Compensation amounts are set at Rs 1 lakh for death, Rs 75,000 for permanent disability, Rs 50,000 for grievous injuries, and Rs 10,000 for minor injuries.
Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) have been installed in Jammu and Srinagar as part of the Smart City Mission. Furthermore, a proposal worth Rs 113 crore is under preparation to extend electronic traffic enforcement across the entire Union Territory.
Policy Measures and Future Outlook
Road safety audits are now a mandatory requirement during the design phase of all new road projects. Existing roads are also subjected to periodic reviews to identify and address engineering defects. These measures are intended to proactively improve road infrastructure safety.
The government stated that the combination of stricter enforcement, technology integration, and policy measures, including the revised Road Safety Policy 2025, is contributing to improved road safety outcomes. Continuous efforts are underway to further reduce the incidence of accidents and fatalities throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Times News Desk