SG Road Among Top Accident Hotspots in Ahmedabad
SG Road, one of Ahmedabad’s busiest and most vital stretches, has become synonymous with frequent road accidents, with alarming statistics confirming its position as one of the city’s accident hotspots. According to recent data compiled by the Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI), 2024 witnessed 108 ambulance deployments every hour in response to road accidents. This equates to a staggering three accident-related calls every single hour, underscoring a dangerous trend on the roads of Ahmedabad.
As per the data, five out of the top 10 accident hotspots in the city were situated around SG Road, further amplifying concerns about road safety in this area. Leading the list was Gota, with 593 road accident emergencies recorded during the year, followed closely by Bodakdev (573), Bopal (508), Sola Civil Hospital (478), and Prahladnagar Garden (458). These hotspots represent areas where an average of one accident occurred every day, intensifying the need for immediate intervention. However, it is essential to note that the data recorded by EMRI pertains to the location of ambulances dispatched to accidents, rather than specific accident locations. The goal is to ensure timely medical assistance during the golden hour, which significantly improves chances of survival for victims.
Despite these alarming figures, a glimmer of hope comes from data provided by the Ahmedabad city traffic police, which showed some improvement in road safety. The number of fatal accidents in the city decreased by 25% from 515 in 2023 to 386 in 2024. Moreover, the total number of accidents also saw a decline of 9.3%, from 1,458 in 2023 to 1,323 in 2024. However, the data also highlighted an increase in grievous injuries, with cases rising by approximately 6% from 660 to 698. This suggests that while fatalities have been reduced, the severity of injuries in road accidents remains a serious concern.
Experts attribute this reduction in fatal accidents to stricter enforcement of traffic rules and greater vigilance by the city traffic police. N N Chaudhary, the Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), explained that measures such as enhanced police presence on roads, the deployment of speed guns at strategic locations, and heightened law enforcement have all played a key role in ensuring safer roads. Despite these improvements, the rise in grievous injuries raises concerns about road users suffering critical injuries, emphasising the need for more comprehensive interventions, including timely medical care and improved road engineering.
In the wake of this data, road safety experts stress the importance of a multifaceted approach to combat the rising number of accidents in Ahmedabad. The “4Es” — education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency care — must be prioritised by stakeholders such as the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and city traffic police. Experts suggest a detailed analysis of fatal and serious accidents to determine the root cause, whether it be road design flaws, overspeeding by drivers, inadequate traffic education, or insufficient enforcement at accident-prone locations. The sustainability of these interventions relies heavily on improving infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, addressing key civic concerns that impact road safety.
