Editorial | Roads Save Precious Lives

In a state already suffering from geography road connectivity must be a bastion of safety and connectivity. It turns out to be a silent killer. Unmetalled sections, poor crash barriers, weak signalling, lack of street lighting, and congested single-lane roads have all been the cause of a steep increase in road accidents. Jammu and Kashmir, as per recent traffic police data, logs thousands road accidents each year, with hundreds killed and thousands injured many of them for life.

We should not forget that each fatality number represents a sorrowful family, an orphaned child, a lost breadwinner, or a future cut short. The social cost is monumental, and the trauma widespread. It is time that the administration, policy-makers, and civil society agree that road safety is not just a question of convenience but one of life and death.

Kashmir’s topography brings an extra dimension of complexity to the issue. The mountainous landscape of the state requires roads not only constructed, but engineered for safety. Most of the roads in the hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Uri, Karnah, and Banihal were built decades back, when traffic was much lower and population density was much less. Now, with the increasing vehicle movement, particularly of passenger cabs, lorries, and motorbikes, these thin, tattered roads are just not able to take it.

Furthermore, the sudden growth in tourism has created a seasonal rush in traffic along major routes like Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Yusmarg. Yet, infrastructure growth hasn’t kept pace. The Srinagar-Jammu highway, a Valley lifeline, is regularly closed owing to landslides, snowfall, and accidents, making a regular trip a nightmare. Though highway expansion projects are on, the progress is poor, often stalled by questionable planning and environmental issues.

Similar is the story of local roads. Many villages in rural Kashmir still rely on kutcha (unpaved) roads, which almost become impassable during rains or snowfall. Ambulances cannot reach patients on time; schools are cut off, and transport of goods comes to a halt. In such a case, a road is not just infrastructure; it is the only connecting link to education, health, and livelihood.

To properly address this crisis, a multi-faceted solution is necessary. First, the government should provide more resources for road construction, especially in accident hotspots and rural regions. The Public Works Department (PWD) and other executing agencies like Border Roads Organisation (BRO) need to be held accountable for quality and timelines of the construction work.

Secondly, road engineering needs to take priority. Each curve, incline, and intersection must be checked for safety. Modern construction materials, weatherproof surfacing, guardrails, efficient drainage, and pedestrian walkways must become standard. In hilly regions, in particular, efficient slope stabilization and landslide protection can prevent accidents.

Thirdly, road maintenance must not be seasonal or reactive. We need year-round monitoring and upkeep. Potholes, damaged culverts, and broken signage must be repaired promptly, not left to rot for months. Annual budgets should include specific provisions for ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

Fourthly, technology has an important role to play. Deployment of speed monitoring cameras, digital warning signs, reflective paint, and GPS-based hazard notifications can increase awareness and control among drivers. Additionally, citizens can plan safer journeys with the help of apps and public dashboards presenting real-time road conditions.

Just as critical is driver behavior. Although the infrastructure is an integral part of the issue, rash driving, over-speeding, overloading, and disregard for traffic rules also play a big role in the high rate of accidents. In these circumstances, the Traffic Police Department needs to initiate frequent awareness drives, impose tougher penalties, and conduct frequent checks, particularly on commercial vehicles and school buses. Special driver training programs for those driving in hilly areas need to be institutionalized as well.

The involvement of Panchayats and urban local bodies in making the people aware and engaging in local road audits needs to be promoted. Vigilance by the public can locate risky areas, demand repairs, and even aid in temporary marking of hazards during festivals, tourism seasons, or school times.

Finally, road safety should be included in the political agenda. We discuss power cuts, unemployment, and internet outages; we should similarly demand safe roads. The legislators should question the Assembly, civil society should create awareness drives, and media should keep highlighting accident-prone spots.

There has been some improvement in recent years. Road connectivity has been provided to some villages under projects like the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The efforts of the central government towards infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 was revoked have also seen more funding going for public works. Implementation on the ground, however, continues to be sluggish and patchy.

The government of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has initiated some measures to enhance road connectivity and urban infrastructure. These should be expanded and supported by a long-term road safety policy, with inter-departmental coordination, community involvement, and well-defined accountability mechanisms.

To lose lives due to avoidable road accidents in the 21st century is not on. In a area like Kashmir, where life is precious and the road is a lifeline, the state needs to move now. Not tomorrow, not next year but now. Because roads, if constructed properly, kept in good order, and driven upon sensibly, can achieve more than just linking places. They can save lives.