Road accidents surged in J'khand between Jan and Feb: Govt data

Ranchi: The first two months of the current year have witnessed an alarming increase in road accidents, fatalities and injuries across the state with over-speeding and heavy pilgrim movement during the Mahakumbh emerging as primary contributing factors.

According to road safety department data, January and February recorded 1,090 accidents, marking a 10% increase from 988 incidents during the same period last year. Fatalities rose by 17%, reaching 913 compared to last year's 781, while injuries surged by 21%, from 537 to 652 cases.

Joint transport commissioner (JTC) Pradeep Kumar attributed the spike in accidents to the substantial movement of Mahakumbh pilgrims through the state. Several pilgrims from the state and neighbouring West Bengal lost their lives in accidents while travelling to Prayagraj during this period.

To address the growing concern, the department has announced plans to install high-resolution cameras at 103 identified black spots across the state.

"We will implement this in phases with the first phase covering 50 to 60 locations within three months. These cameras will help monitor and issue challans for over-speeding vehicles," Kumar explained.

During a recent road safety review, additional director general of police Sanjay Lathkar issued comprehensive guidelines to prevent accidents and reduce fatalities.

Ranchi: The first two months of the current year have witnessed an alarming increase in road accidents, fatalities and injuries across the state with over-speeding and heavy pilgrim movement during the Mahakumbh emerging as primary contributing factors.

According to road safety department data, January and February recorded 1,090 accidents, marking a 10% increase from 988 incidents during the same period last year. Fatalities rose by 17%, reaching 913 compared to last year's 781, while injuries surged by 21%, from 537 to 652 cases.

Joint transport commissioner (JTC) Pradeep Kumar attributed the spike in accidents to the substantial movement of Mahakumbh pilgrims through the state. Several pilgrims from the state and neighbouring West Bengal lost their lives in accidents while travelling to Prayagraj during this period.

To address the growing concern, the department has announced plans to install high-resolution cameras at 103 identified black spots across the state.

"We will implement this in phases with the first phase covering 50 to 60 locations within three months. These cameras will help monitor and issue challans for over-speeding vehicles," Kumar explained.

During a recent road safety review, additional director general of police Sanjay Lathkar issued comprehensive guidelines to prevent accidents and reduce fatalities.