40% of Accidents on Nashik’s Highways Authorities Strengthen Traffic Safety Measures
Nashik saw a troubling rise in road accidents, with 511 incidents reported, resulting in 197 fatalities. Shockingly, 40% of these accidents occurred on national and state highways, highlighting a critical issue for local authorities. The Mumbai-Agra highway, particularly a 23-kilometre stretch passing through the city, has been identified as a hotspot for accidents, with 97 of the 171 accidents on national highways taking place there.
The statistics reveal that national highways are disproportionately contributing to the overall accident tally. Specifically, 171 accidents took place on national highways in 2024, with 72 fatalities, while 30 accidents occurred on state highways, leading to 14 deaths. However, the interior city streets are also a significant concern, with 310 accidents resulting in 111 fatalities. Experts and local officials agree that rash driving is the leading cause of these accidents, particularly on the busy stretches of the Mumbai-Agra highway. The road is notorious for heavy traffic, especially at junctions where motorists cross without paying attention to oncoming vehicles. High speeds, poor visibility, and negligent driving also contribute to the increasing number of fatalities, particularly among pedestrians and two-wheeler riders.
The Nashik Traffic Branch is actively working to address these concerns. ACP Sudhakar Suradkar from the city traffic branch shared insights into the measures being taken: “Following the tragic incident in which nine people lost their lives on the Mumbai-Agra highway, we’ve ramped up our efforts to curb dangerous driving behaviour. We are focusing on motorists driving on the wrong side of the road and ensuring that heavy vehicles comply with safety regulations, such as proper tail-lamps and reflectors.” The authorities have also intensified efforts to enforce traffic laws, especially on the high-risk stretch of the Mumbai-Agra highway. According to Suradkar, strict actions are being taken against motorists who stop their vehicles unnecessarily or drive recklessly, putting the lives of other road users at risk.
Officials from the city’s traffic department have started organising awareness camps to educate the public about the importance of following traffic rules. They are hopeful that through these efforts, drivers will become more conscious of the risks associated with rash driving and the need for safer road use. However, while enforcement is crucial, many residents feel that infrastructure improvements are just as important. With traffic volumes increasing, people are expecting the local authorities to focus not only on law enforcement but also on better road planning and design. “The Mumbai-Agra highway is too narrow at certain points, making it difficult for vehicles to navigate safely. Proper signage, speed breakers, and pedestrian pathways can go a long way in preventing accidents,” said one concerned resident.
The recent string of accidents has also sparked discussions about the need for long-term infrastructure upgrades. Some are advocating for the construction of more service roads and dedicated pedestrian paths to reduce the risk of accidents on high-traffic highways. While the actions taken by authorities, such as enhanced traffic enforcement and public awareness campaigns, are commendable, residents and experts alike emphasise the need for a multi-pronged approach. This includes not only stricter enforcement of traffic laws but also significant investments in infrastructure development to ensure safer roads for everyone. As the city continues to grapple with these alarming statistics, it remains to be seen whether the combination of increased enforcement and infrastructure upgrades will result in a noticeable decline in accidents. The people of Nashik are looking to local authorities to take swift and effective action to safeguard lives on the city’s roads.