Jammu & Kashmir Sees Sharp Spike in Road Accidents and Deaths

Updated On: July 24, 2025

Despite India’s nationwide push to enhance road safety, the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a disturbing rise in road accidents and fatalities. While other parts of the country report gradual improvements and a decline in road mishaps post-pandemic, this northern region paints a grim picture.

In this article, we’ll dive into the alarming statistics, causes of accidents, and what is being done—or not done—to tackle the crisis in these vulnerable areas.

Alarming Rise in Road Accidents in Jammu & Kashmir

The numbers are clear—and concerning.

According to official data presented by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir reported 6,092 road accidents in 2022, up from 5,452 in 2021. That’s a 10% year-on-year increase.

Even worse, fatalities climbed from 774 to 805 in the same period, reflecting not just more crashes but more deadly outcomes.

Overspeeding: The Leading Cause of Road Accidents

Jammu & Kashmir Statistics

Overspeeding is the top reason behind most road crashes in the region. In 2022:

5,990 out of 6,092 road accidents in J&K were caused by overspeeding
797 deaths were directly linked to speeding

Clearly, speeding is a silent killer on Himalayan highways and city streets alike.

Vehicle Overloading: A Dangerous Habit

Another serious contributor is vehicle overloading, which weakens vehicle control and stability.

J&K reported 281 overloading-related accidents, resulting in 45 deaths

Enforcing load limits and stricter checks is crucial to prevent these avoidable tragedies.

Driving Without a Licence: A Rising Threat

Driving without a valid licence remains a persistent problem in both territories.

J&K: 126 accidents in 2022 involved unlicensed drivers (up from 110 in 2021)

This shows a lack of enforcement and awareness, especially among young or rural drivers.

Helmet and Seatbelt Violations: Casual Attitude, Serious Consequences

Many fatalities could be prevented by simply wearing a helmet or seatbelt—yet compliance is poor.

Jammu & Kashmir

81 deaths due to riders not wearing helmets
113 deaths from seatbelt non-use

New Government Initiative: eDAR Portal Replaces iRAD

To modernise accident reporting, the government launched the eDAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report) system. This platform:

Replaces the outdated iRAD system
Integrates with VAHAN and Sarathi
Enables real-time accident tracking
Maps accident-prone blackspots
Helps in claims processing and policy improvements

However, its implementation status in J&K and Ladakh remains unclear. Without full-scale deployment, the benefits remain limited.

Nationwide Road Safety Audits – What About J&K ?

Since 2019-20, road safety audits have been conducted across 13.6 lakh kilometres of highways in India. These audits aim to:

Identify blackspots
Recommend short- and long-term measures
- Crash barriers
- Warning signage
- Underpasses
- Geometric realignments

While these are positive steps, the Ministry hasn’t shared region-specific data for Jammu & Kashmir or Ladakh, leaving a gap in transparency and accountability.

Key Challenges in Jammu & Kashmir

1. Difficult Terrain & Harsh Weather

Landslides, snow, and fog make driving riskier
Limited visibility and slippery roads increase accident chances

2. Inadequate Road Infrastructure

Narrow roads, poor lighting, and missing barriers
Lack of emergency response units on remote stretches

3. Weak Law Enforcement

Overspeeding and helmet/seatbelt violations go unchecked
Unlicensed driving is not aggressively penalised

Solutions to Improve Road Safety in the Region

1. Enforce Speed Limits Strictly

Use of speed cameras and heavy fines can act as deterrents.

2. Awareness Campaigns

Mass campaigns promoting helmets, seatbelts, and driving responsibly can change behaviour, especially among youth.

3. Better Infrastructure Planning

Install rumble strips, crash barriers, reflective signboards
Improve street lighting in rural and hilly zones

4. Fully Implement eDAR

Ensure the eDAR portal functions seamlessly in these UTs to enhance real-time monitoring and accountability.

The rise in road accidents in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh is a wake-up call. While the rest of India shows signs of progress in road safety, these regions are falling behind. Without urgent and targeted action, more lives will be lost on roads that should have been made safer.

Improving road safety isn’t just about stricter rules—it’s about changing mindsets, investing in infrastructure, and holding authorities accountable.

Let’s hope data becomes action, and action brings down these worrying numbers in the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main cause of road accidents in Jammu & Kashmir ?
Overspeeding is the leading cause, responsible for over 90% of reported accidents.

2. Are helmet and seatbelt violations a serious issue?
Yes. Hundreds of deaths each year are linked to non-use of helmets and seatbelts.

3. What is the eDAR system?
The Electronic Detailed Accident Report system is a digital platform that tracks accidents in real-time and integrates with other government databases.

4. Is unlicensed driving common in these regions?
Yes. Both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have seen a rise in accidents involving unlicensed drivers.

5. What steps can be taken to reduce accidents?
Strict enforcement, public awareness, better infrastructure, and proper use of technology like eDAR can significantly reduce road fatalities.