Yogesh
Srinagar, Jan 10: The Chenab Valley, comprising the districts of Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar, has become a critical hotspot for road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir, with 20% of all road accidents in the region occurring here over the last six years.
The primary reason cited for these accidents is poorly constructed roads, a fact outlined by a government-formed committee tasked with investigating the issue and recommending preventive measures.
Despite this acknowledgment, little progress has been made in improving road conditions in these districts. Factors such as overloading, speeding, unfit vehicles, and a poorly managed traffic system exacerbate the problem.
The Nashri-Ramban-Banihal-Qazigund section, declared a “black spot” by the Union Ministry of Transport and Roads, continues to witness frequent accidents.
As per the data available from 2019 to October 2024, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 4,899 fatalities in road accidents, with 852 deaths occurring in the Chenab Valley alone.
Among these were several tragic incidents, including a bus falling into a ravine in Kishtwar in 2019, killing 35 people & a bus accident in Doda’s Asar area on November 15, 2023, claiming 39 lives.
Multiple vehicles fell into ravines in Kishtwar and Ramban between 2021 and 2025, leading to significant casualties.
Experts highlight the dire state of infrastructure in the region.
In a detailed report submitted to the High Court, the committee recommended rebuilding critical roads such as Asar Road and Rigi Nala, which are prone to accidents due to faulty construction. However, implementation of these recommendations remains pending.
The High Court, in response to the alarming rise in road accidents, directed the formation of an expert committee in 2023. This panel included specialists from IIT Jammu, engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD), and road safety experts. The committee’s mandate was to identify accident-prone areas and recommend solutions.
Government sources said that concerned departments have begun taking steps to address the crisis.
“Crash barriers have been installed at various locations, and some road expansions have been carried out. The Transport Department is preparing for stricter enforcement measures in collaboration with the police, traffic authorities, and district administrations. Registrations of overloaded and unfit vehicles are expected to be cancelled soon,” officials said.
