Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025: A Comprehensive Strategy to Reduce Accidents

Published On: March 15, 2025

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025 to prevent road accidents and fatalities. This new policy aims to provide a structured and holistic approach to improve road safety across the Union Territory (UT).

The Need for a New Road Safety Policy in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir heavily rely on road transport as the primary mode of transportation. Recognizing the pressing need for road safety improvements, the government has framed a robust policy to address rising accident rates. According to official statistics:

Over 22.66 lakh registered vehicles operate in J&K.
In 2022, the region recorded 6,092 road accidents, resulting in 805 fatalities.
In 2023, the numbers increased to 6,298 accidents, with 893 people losing their lives.
40% of accidents occurred in Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua districts.

The government aims to reduce road accidents and fatalities by 50% by 2030 by implementing effective safety measures and engaging all stakeholders.

Strategic Measures to Improve Road Safety

To achieve its vision, the government has outlined several strategic measures:

1. Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms

The State Road Safety Council, headed by the Minister In-charge Transport, will oversee policy implementation.
A lead agency under an Additional Transport Commissioner will coordinate safety initiatives.
The Motor Vehicles Department and Traffic Police will work together to enhance road safety awareness.

2. Raising Public Awareness on Road Safety

A comprehensive public awareness campaign will educate key decision-makers and citizens about road safety.
Print, electronic, and social media will be leveraged to highlight the dangers of road accidents.
Workshops and training programs will be conducted for motorists, school students, and the general public.

3. Identifying and Addressing Accident-Prone Areas

The District Road Development Committees (DRDCs) will identify accident-prone areas (black spots) every six months.
Necessary corrective actions such as improved road design, better signage, and enhanced lighting will be implemented within the next six months.
The government will also ensure strict accountability for defaulting contractors and consultants responsible for poorly constructed roads.

Improving Infrastructure and Traffic Management

1. Parking Reforms and Traffic Decongestion

Development Authorities have been directed to increase parking spaces across the UT.
A new parking policy will mandate vehicle owners to have parking arrangements before purchasing a vehicle.
Roadside parking fees will be introduced, with rates increasing over time to discourage long-term parking on busy streets.

2. Promoting Public Transport Over Private Vehicles

The government aims to reduce the burden on roads by enhancing public transportation.
Innovative policies will encourage citizens to prefer buses, metro systems, and shared mobility solutions over private vehicles.
A Non-Motorized Transport Policy will be introduced to safeguard the rights of cyclists and pedestrians.

Enhanced Law Enforcement and Traffic Regulation

Transport Minister Satish Sharma expressed confidence that the Road Safety Policy 2025 will significantly enhance traffic enforcement across J&K. The government will:

Train and equip enforcement agencies to improve traffic management.
Deploy advanced technology, such as speed cameras and automated traffic monitoring systems.
Increase penalties for traffic violations to deter reckless driving.

The Jammu and Kashmir Road Safety Policy 2025 is a crucial step toward reducing accidents and ensuring safer roads. By integrating infrastructure improvements, stricter enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and policy reforms, the government is committed to making the roads of J&K significantly safer. With active participation from authorities, stakeholders, and citizens, this initiative will pave the way for a safer and more organized transportation system.