SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir registered a significant number of road accidents and fatalities in 2025, with figures indicating over 5,300 accidents and close to 1,000 deaths. Notably, pedestrian fatalities saw a more than threefold increase during the same period, according to data submitted to the Lok Sabha.
Information was available with The Chenab Times detailing that Jammu and Kashmir recorded 5,318 road accidents and 984 fatalities in 2025. The number of pedestrian deaths surged to 477, a sharp rise from the 144 recorded in the previous year. The data was presented by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways during a session in the Lok Sabha.
The statistics revealed a marginal decline in the overall number of road accidents in the Union Territory, falling from 5,808 in 2024 to 5,318 in 2025. Concurrently, road fatalities increased from 893 in 2024 to 984 in 2025. The number of individuals injured in road accidents also saw a decrease, from 7,820 in 2024 to 7,594 in 2025.
The alarming escalation in pedestrian fatalities was accompanied by a corresponding rise in pedestrian injuries, which climbed from 1,245 in 2024 to 1,715 in 2025. These figures highlight a growing concern for vulnerable road users.
Further data indicated that up to July 27, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir had recorded 3,269 road accidents, resulting in 603 deaths and 4,775 injuries. During this partial period of 2026, 226 pedestrians lost their lives, and 1,005 sustained injuries.
These comprehensive figures were shared by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, in response to an unstarred question concerning road accidents, fatalities, and road safety measures within the region.
Historical data also paints a concerning picture: in 2021, Jammu and Kashmir reported 5,452 accidents, leading to 774 fatalities and 6,972 injuries. The numbers continued to rise through subsequent years, with 6,092 accidents and 805 deaths in 2022, and 6,298 accidents and 893 deaths in 2023.
Nationally, the situation mirrors these concerns, with road accidents across India increasing from 4,12,432 in 2021 to 5,13,474 in 2025. Fatalities nationwide also rose from 1,53,972 to 1,83,434 over the same period. As of July 27, 2026, India had recorded 2,96,447 accidents and 1,01,139 deaths.
The Union Government attributed road accidents to a confluence of factors, including human error, environmental conditions, road infrastructure, and vehicle-related issues.
Analysis of traffic rule violations linked to accidents identified over-speeding as the primary cause, accounting for 3,45,024 cases in 2024 and 82,124 in 2025. Driver distraction was also a significant factor, contributing to 2,03,897 accidents in 2025, an increase from 1,46,025 in 2024.
Pothole-related accidents were reported at 294 in 2025, up from 229 in 2024. Up to July 27, 2026, 100 accidents were attributed to potholes, while driver distraction accounted for 1,51,526 incidents, and road condition-related causes for 29,628.
The Centre, utilizing AI-based tools developed by IIT Kanpur, has identified 6,358 ‘black corridors’ on National Highways based on accident data from 2023-25. These are continuous stretches identified by a high frequency of accidents involving fatalities and grievous injuries.
To address these black corridors, short-term measures such as improved road markings, enhanced signage, installation of crash barriers and delineators, closure of unauthorized median openings, traffic calming measures, and better highway lighting are being implemented. Long-term interventions include road geometric improvements, junction upgrades, carriageway widening, and the construction of underpasses and overpasses.
Furthermore, mandatory road safety audits by third-party auditors or experts have been instituted for National Highway projects at all stages, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.
The government’s road safety strategy is multifaceted, focusing on education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency care. Additional measures include the establishment of driving training centres, automated vehicle testing facilities, the mandate of safety features in vehicles, and the implementation of an electronic Detailed Accident Report system for centralized accident data collection and analysis.
The Chenab Times News Desk