The Himachal Pradesh government’s dedicated efforts towards improving road safety and traffic management have resulted in a remarkable decline in road accidents and fatalities in 2024. According to a press release, road accidents in the state decreased by 6.48 percent compared to 2023, with 2107 accidents reported in 2024 compared to 2253 in 2023.
The number of fatalities also saw a significant reduction, with 806 lives lost in 2024 compared to 892 in 2023. Additionally, the number of injuries dropped from 3449 in 2023 to 3290 in 2024.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu praised the efforts, stating, “The decline in road accidents and fatalities is a testament to the collective efforts of the Government, the law enforcement agencies, and awakened citizens. Over the past two years, the State Government has undertaken several initiatives to save valuable lives.”
Government Initiatives
The Himachal Pradesh government has taken several strategic measures to enhance road safety, including targeted awareness campaigns promoting responsible driving behavior, road infrastructure improvements, and safety measures in accident-prone areas. The enforcement of traffic regulations has been strengthened, and the emergency response system has been improved to provide timely medical assistance to accident victims.
A Positive Contrast to National Trends
This reduction in road accidents and fatalities in Himachal Pradesh is particularly notable when compared to national trends. In 2023, India saw a rise in road accidents and fatalities, with nearly 1.73 lakh deaths and 4.63 lakh injuries, marking record highs. The official data for 2024 is yet to be released.
Continued Efforts
While expressing satisfaction with the progress made, CM Sukhu emphasized that even a single life lost is too many. He said, “While the decline in road accidents and fatalities is encouraging, even a single life lost on our roads is one too many. We will continue to prioritize road safety and implement innovative measures to further reduce accidents in the coming years.”
The Chief Minister called upon the people of Himachal Pradesh to support law enforcement by following traffic rules, avoiding overspeeding, and refraining from reckless driving. Public participation, he added, is key to achieving safer roads. The government remains committed to further improving road safety across the state and safeguarding human lives.