Jammu and Kashmir is significantly enhancing its traffic management systems by integrating technology, with enforcement agencies issuing 10.39 lakh e-challans this year alone. This marks a substantial move away from manual enforcement towards a more efficient, tech-enabled approach to road safety across the Union Territory. An official confirmed on Monday that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve road safety and reduce accidents.
The shift towards digital enforcement was highlighted during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. The meeting comprehensively reviewed the Road Safety Action Plan, accident data, the integrated Road Accident Database (i-RAD) system, efforts to rectify black spots, trauma care facilities, and other road safety interventions. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the administration is prioritizing the modernization of traffic control mechanisms to ensure greater accountability and effectiveness.
To extend the benefits of technology-based traffic management into rural areas, a detailed project report for a Rural Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) has been finalized. This ambitious project is set to deploy 2,144 digital devices across 25 critical corridors and 195 rural junctions, aiming to bring advanced traffic monitoring and enforcement capabilities to previously underserved regions. An official spokesperson elaborated on the project’s scope, emphasizing its role in creating a safer road network throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Secretary Dulloo underscored the urgency of addressing road safety issues, directing all executing agencies to prioritize the timely rectification of identified black spots and hazardous road stretches. He stressed that every identified engineering deficiency must be addressed through a combination of short-term and long-term corrective measures. This directive reflects a commitment to proactively identify and mitigate risks on the road, preventing accidents before they occur.
Furthermore, Dulloo urged all District Road Safety Committees (DRSCs), which are chaired by the respective District Magistrates, to convene mandatory monthly meetings. These meetings are crucial for closely monitoring the real-time accident data available on the i-RAD dashboards, reviewing accident-prone locations, and ensuring the prompt rectification of any residual infrastructure hazards. This decentralized approach aims to foster local accountability and tailor road safety interventions to specific district needs.
Reviewing key performance indicators, the Transport Department Secretary, Avny Lavasa, informed the meeting that concerted multi-departmental interventions have led to a significant decline in road fatalities. As per information available with Tahir Rihat, the number of fatalities has decreased from 1,090 recorded in 2024 to 756 up to mid-September 2026. This progress indicates a steady movement towards the ambitious targets of restricting fatalities to 600 or below by 2027 and further down to 450 by 2030. The data presented demonstrates the positive impact of the ongoing road safety initiatives.
The meeting also received an update on the reduction in the number of road accidents, with 4,222 accidents recorded during the current period compared to a baseline of 5,808 in 2024. This substantial decrease in accident figures further validates the effectiveness of the implemented strategies. The authorities are optimistic that continued efforts will lead to even greater improvements in road safety metrics.
In terms of infrastructure improvements, the Transport Commissioner reported that 367 black spots have been identified across the Union Territory. Of these, 165 have undergone audits by central agencies, and 68 hotspots have already been completely rectified. These efforts are crucial in eliminating known danger zones on the road network. The proactive identification and remediation of these areas are expected to have a direct impact on reducing accident severity and frequency.
Under the framework of the Road Safety Fund, a comprehensive audit of 1,433 roads has been successfully completed. Subsequently, Rs 11.60 crore has been released to 15 districts to facilitate immediate corrective interventions. This financial allocation is intended to expedite the implementation of necessary safety upgrades and repairs, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to enhance road infrastructure and safety standards across the region.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.