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Himachal Targets 10% Drop in Road Deaths, Reviews Safety Push

Himachal Pradesh's Transport Minister Mukesh Agnihotri chaired a state road safety council meeting, setting a target to reduce accidents and fatalities by 10% during National Road Safety Month 2026. Officials presented data showing the state's road accident severity rate of 39.45 in 2023 exceeds the national average, with 1,438 identified black spots. The review covered enforcement measures, including over 12,000 challans issued in 2025, and compliance with Supreme Court safety directives on crash barriers. Schemes for accident victim compensation and cashless treatment were also discussed to strengthen the safety ecosystem.

Key Points: Himachal Road Safety Review: 10% Accident Reduction Target

  • 10% accident reduction target for 2026
  • 1,438 black spots identified statewide
  • Road accident severity rate above national average
  • Electronic enforcement via ITMS expanded
2 min read

Himachal Transport Minister reviews road safety scenario, urges coordinated efforts to reduce accidents

Himachal Transport Minister Mukesh Agnihotri reviews road safety, targets 10% cut in accidents by 2026, amid high severity rate.

"coordinated efforts by all stakeholder departments to achieve the target - Mukesh Agnihotri"

Shimla, January 20

Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Tuesday reviewed the state's road safety scenario, emphasising the need for collective efforts to reduce road accidents and fatalities by 10 per cent during the National Road Safety Month 2026.

Agnihotri chaired the 5th meeting of the State Transport Development and Road Safety Council, held at the Secretariat here. Senior officials of the Transport Department gave a comprehensive presentation at the State Transport Development and Road Safety Council meeting.

The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for coordinated efforts by all stakeholder departments to achieve the target of a 10 per cent reduction in road accidents and fatalities, particularly during National Road Safety Month 2026.

The officials presented the state's expanding road network, noting that total road length increased by 804 kilometres over the past year, rising from 41,975 kilometres in December 2023 to 42,779 kilometres in December 2024, a growth of 1.9 per cent. They also included alarming data on road accidents, fatalities, and injuries in both urban and rural areas from 2022 to 2024.

According to the presentation, the road accident severity rate in Himachal Pradesh stood at 39.45 in 2023, which is higher than the national average of 36, indicating the need for intensified safety interventions. Officials further informed that 1,438 vulnerable and black spots had been identified across the state, of which 1,021 have already been rectified.

The Deputy Chief Minister was also briefed on enforcement measures under the Motor Vehicles Act. During 2025, RTO flying squads issued 12,401 challans, with a total compounding amount of Rs 3.32 crore realised.

The meeting reviewed compliance with the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety (SCCoRS) directions, including installation and maintenance of crash barriers. Officials noted that 39 per cent of road fatalities in 2022 were due to run-off-the-road accidents, which could have been prevented through proper crash barriers.

The presentation also highlighted the expansion of electronic enforcement, with 101 Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) locations installed by police, and additional installations at interstate transport barriers and in Baddi by the Transport Department.

Schemes such as the Hit-and-Run Motor Accident Compensation Scheme, the Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) Scheme, and cashless treatment for road accident victims up to Rs 1.5 lakh were also reviewed. Officials informed that the reward under the Rah-Veer Scheme has been increased to Rs 25,000 to encourage timely assistance to accident victims.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The increase in road length is good for connectivity, but with more roads comes more responsibility. 39% of fatalities due to run-off accidents is heartbreaking. Where are the crash barriers? The authorities must prioritize safety over just expanding the network. The Rah-Veer scheme increase to ₹25,000 is a positive move to encourage public help.
A
Aman W
Issuing 12,401 challans and collecting 3.32 crore rupees shows enforcement is happening. But is the goal just to collect fines or to actually change driver behavior? We need more awareness campaigns alongside this. Also, cashless treatment up to 1.5 lakh is a lifesaver for many poor families.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves traveling to Himachal, road safety is a major concern. The hills are beautiful but the roads can be treacherous. Glad to see ITMS being expanded. Hope the focus is also on driver training, especially for those operating buses and taxis on these difficult terrains.
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Vikram M
A 10% reduction target is a start, but why not aim higher? With over 1400 black spots identified, the work is cut out. The coordinated effort between departments is key. Often, the PWD, transport, and police work in silos. This meeting is a good step if it leads to real action on the ground.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, we hear about these reviews and targets every year. The presentation has all the data, which is good. But what about accountability? Who is responsible if the 10% target is not met? Until there is clear accountability for results, these will remain just meetings and presentations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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