Himachal Pradesh News
Fatal Rush in Mandi: 97 Lives Lost in 250 Road Accidents as Overspeeding Crisis Deepens
A disturbing rise in road accidents has turned into a major public safety concern in Mandi district, where reckless driving and overspeeding continue to claim lives despite strict enforcement measures.
A disturbing rise in road accidents has turned into a major public safety concern in Mandi district, where reckless driving and overspeeding continue to claim lives despite strict enforcement measures.
According to official data reviewed during a recent District Road Safety Committee meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, the district witnessed 250 road accidents in 2025, resulting in 97 fatalities and 385 injuries. These figures highlight a growing crisis that shows little sign of slowing down.
The alarming trend has continued into the current year. By March 31, 2026, Mandi had already reported 83 accidents, leading to 28 deaths and 111 injuries. Authorities pointed out that human error—particularly overspeeding and careless driving—remains the leading cause behind most of these tragic incidents.
In response, the administration has ramped up enforcement efforts across the district. Between January and March, officials issued over 8,000 challans for overspeeding using laser speed guns, while the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) detected more than 11,600 violations.
Additionally, strict action was taken against other traffic offences, including:
- 6,005 cases of riding without helmets
- 1,733 violations for not wearing seat belts
- 407 instances of drunk driving
- 441 cases of mobile phone usage while driving
Despite these measures, officials stress that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. A significant shift in public mindset and driving behaviour is urgently needed.
The district administration has also identified 323 accident-prone black spots, where road design or conditions increase the risk of crashes. So far, 32 locations were improved in 2024-25, and seven more have been fixed in 2025-26, with ongoing efforts to address the remaining high-risk areas.
To further strengthen road safety, authorities are working on improving emergency response systems and ensuring faster coordination between departments during accidents. At the same time, awareness campaigns are being conducted in schools, colleges, and public spaces to educate citizens about safe driving practices.
Concerns have also been raised about school transport safety, with inspections revealing repeated violations. Between January and March, hundreds of school vehicles were checked, and dozens were penalized each month for failing to meet safety norms—indicating a worrying lack of compliance.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan emphasized that following traffic rules is the most effective way to prevent accidents, urging citizens to act responsibly on the roads.
The data sends a clear and urgent message: unless driving behaviour changes, enforcement alone will not be enough to stop the loss of lives in Mandi.
