Kolkata Achieves Decade-Low in Fatal Accidents with 154 Cases in 2025
Kolkata has marked a significant milestone in road safety. The city recorded just 154 fatal accidents during 2025. This figure represents the lowest number in the past ten years. Officials from Lalbazar confirmed this encouraging trend.
Sharp Decline from Previous Years
Traffic data shows a clear downward trajectory. In 2023, the city reported 159 fatal accidents. The number rose to 191 in 2024. However, 2025 saw a dramatic turnaround. The drop from 191 to 154 fatalities amounts to a reduction of approximately 19.4%. Police describe this as one of the largest single-year declines in over a decade.
A senior traffic officer emphasized the achievement. "This reduction is the sharpest drop we have witnessed in more than ten years," the officer stated. "Managing to curb fatal accidents despite increasing traffic pressure proves something crucial. It shows that proper planning and correct execution can indeed make our roads safer."
Two-Pronged Strategy Behind the Success
Kolkata Police attribute this success to a focused, two-part strategy. The first part targeted the city's most dangerous roads.
The plan concentrated on three specific corridors known for high accident rates:
- Basanti Highway
- EM Bypass
- Diamond Harbour Road
The second part of the strategy focused on pedestrian safety. The goal was to protect people walking without disrupting the normal flow of traffic.
Detailed Interventions on High-Risk Roads
On EM Bypass and Diamond Harbour Road, authorities implemented strict measures. The plan now ensures pedestrians use only marked crossings. The rest of these roads feature new median dividers to separate traffic.
The traffic department initiated special surveillance on the Bypass. IIT Kharagpur was appointed as the nodal agency. Their role involves studying the road and recommending specific safety improvements.
On Basanti Highway, engineers installed practical safety features. Convex mirrors now appear at every turn to improve visibility. Rumble strips were placed on the road surface to naturally reduce vehicle speed.
Technology played a key role as well. Authorities installed ANPR cameras and speed cameras along these routes. These devices help curb reckless driving through continuous monitoring. Persistent fines and crackdowns on violators contributed directly to the lower accident count.
Analyzing the Causes of Accidents
Police conducted detailed analyses of each accident. They found that not all incidents shared the same causes. However, a common thread emerged. A certain disregard for overall road conditions among commuters was frequently to blame.
An officer from a traffic guard provided specific examples. "We observed people disregarding lane discipline, even during wet conditions," the officer explained. "Others were getting off flyovers and bridges while their vehicles were in neutral gear. These are dangerous practices that we witnessed in the lead-up to several fatal accidents over the past six months."
Kolkata Leads Among Major Metro Cities
Data collected by Kolkata Police through the National Crime Records Bureau reveals more good news. In 2025, Kolkata emerged as the least accident-prone city among India's major metros.
This finding will be included in the annual traffic report for 2025. The full report is scheduled for release in the coming months.
The report also provides a comparative perspective. Other large cities like Delhi and Mumbai recorded significantly higher numbers. Their statistics for accidents, injuries, and fatalities remain much greater than Kolkata's for the same period.
The successful reduction in Kolkata stands as a testament to targeted policy and enforcement. It offers a model for other urban centers grappling with road safety challenges.
