Maharashtra DGP Sets Ambitious Goal to Reduce Road Accident Fatalities by 10% Statewide
In a significant move to enhance road safety across Maharashtra, Director General of Police (DGP) Sadanand Date has announced a target to bring down fatalities in road accidents by 10% throughout the state. This ambitious initiative comes after a detailed review of the successful strategies implemented in Nagpur, which saw a remarkable 25% reduction in road deaths in 2025.
Nagpur's Success Story: A Blueprint for Statewide Improvement
DGP Date recently held a comprehensive review meeting with the Nagpur City Police Traffic Wing to analyze the methods that led to the city's impressive decline in road fatalities. Officials revealed that during a two-and-a-half-hour session on Sunday, Date engaged with key personnel including Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lohit Matani, traffic constables, senior officers, and grassroots staff.
"Despite facing substantial challenges such as nearly a thousand non-functional CCTV cameras and the absence of AI technology to detect violations like red-light jumping or number-plate infractions, Nagpur's traffic team has achieved outstanding results," stated an official familiar with the discussions.
Operation U-Turn: The Driving Force Behind Nagpur's Achievement
The significant reduction in fatalities is largely attributed to Operation U-Turn, a targeted campaign launched under Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal. This operation involved rigorous enforcement against drunk driving, violations by heavy vehicles, and other serious traffic offences.
"This proactive approach resulted in a decrease in deaths from approximately 345 in 2024 to 259 in 2025. Preliminary data from early 2026 indicates that the fatality rate continues to decline, demonstrating the sustainability of this strategy," the official added.
Key Strategies and Recommendations for Statewide Implementation
During the review, DGP Date examined several effective practices employed by the Nagpur traffic wing, including:
- Proactive staffing and deployment of personnel
- Establishment of frequent checkpoints across the city
- Implementation of quick fixes at identified accident black spots
To accelerate improvements, Date proposed engaging private agencies for faster road corrections at accident-prone areas using District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC) funds. He also emphasized the need for enhanced multi-agency coordination to ensure better budget allocation and flow.
Addressing Systemic Delays and Embracing Technology
The DGP highlighted a critical issue contributing to repeat accidents: delays in implementing post-accident improvements such as road markings, street lighting, and divider installations. "Time is of the essence," Date stressed, urging immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
He called for greater integration of technology and stronger public awareness campaigns to maintain and build upon the current momentum. These measures are seen as essential components for replicating Nagpur's success across Maharashtra and achieving the statewide 10% reduction target.
DGP Date's visit to Nagpur coincided with his attendance at the 69th All India Police Duty Meet, underscoring his commitment to leveraging best practices from successful local initiatives to benefit the entire state.
