By Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu & Kashmir witnessed a disturbing rise in road accidents during 2025, with official district-wise data revealing a total of 5,258 accidents across the Union Territory, resulting in 972 fatalities and injuries to 7,582 persons. The figures highlight a serious road safety challenge, with Jammu district emerging as the worst affected.
According to the statistics, Jammu district alone accounted for 937 accidents, the highest in J&K, claiming 212 lives and leaving 1,177 people injured. Srinagar reported 406 accidents with 51 deaths and 478 injured, while Kathua recorded 372 accidents resulting in 84 fatalities and 471 injuries. Rajouri witnessed 352 accidents with 49 deaths and 572 injured, and Udhampur reported 345 accidents claiming 65 lives and injuring 557 persons.
In the Kashmir division, Anantnag recorded 220 accidents with 42 deaths and 308 injured, Baramulla reported 210 accidents claiming 40 lives and injuring 327 persons, Kulgam witnessed 169 accidents with 35 fatalities and 242 injured, Kupwara reported 138 accidents with 13 deaths and 235 injured, and Pulwama saw 125 accidents resulting in 11 fatalities and 150 injuries. Bandipora recorded 104 accidents, Ganderbal 122, Handwara 82, Shopian 69 and Sopore 131, all contributing significantly to the overall toll.
In the Chenab Valley districts, Doda witnessed 216 accidents claiming 38 lives and injuring 344 persons, Ramban reported 230 accidents with 45 fatalities and 394 injured, while Kishtwar recorded 142 accidents resulting in 35 deaths and 184 injuries. In the Jammu region, apart from Jammu city, Reasi reported 208 accidents with 40 deaths and 382 injured, Samba witnessed 240 accidents claiming 62 lives and injuring 305 persons, while Poonch recorded 154 accidents with 32 fatalities and 262 injured.
Officials attribute the majority of road accidents to overspeeding, rash and negligent driving, drunk driving, use of mobile phones while driving, and non-compliance with helmet and seat-belt norms, besides difficult terrain and poor visibility on several stretches, particularly in hilly areas.
To address the alarming situation, the J&K Traffic Police and Transport Department have intensified road safety and awareness initiatives across the Union Territory. These include regular awareness programmes in schools, colleges and public places, enforcement drives against traffic violations, helmet and seat-belt checking campaigns, identification and rectification of accident-prone black spots, and coordinated efforts with district administrations to improve road infrastructure, signage and lighting. Community outreach programmes are also being conducted to sensitise drivers and pedestrians about safe driving practices and responsible road behaviour.
Senior traffic officials have appealed to the public to cooperate with enforcement agencies by strictly following traffic rules, avoiding overspeeding, wearing protective gear, and ensuring disciplined driving. With nearly a thousand lives lost in a single year, experts stress that sustained awareness, strict enforcement and improved infrastructure, along with active public participation, are essential to reverse the trend and make roads safer across Jammu & Kashmir.
