Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety Chairman Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre recently assessed road safety initiatives in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement and continuous awareness campaigns to reduce accidents and fatalities. In a meeting with senior district officials, data revealed that in 2025, there were 3,372 reported road accidents in Jabalpur, resulting in 666 deaths and 2,471 serious injuries.
Comparative data from January to March in 2026 showed positive trends, with a 3.41% decrease in accidents to 962, a 9.01% drop in fatalities to 154, and a 13.89% reduction in injuries to 1,091. Officials also highlighted progress in addressing accident-prone areas, with the number of ‘black spots’ decreasing from 47 in 2025 to 41, and no accidents reported at six locations after corrective actions were taken.
During the meeting, it was noted that in 2026, there were a total of 22 accidents at 12 black spots, resulting in six deaths and 10 injuries. Vulnerable groups identified included individuals aged 25-35 and two-wheeler riders, with rural areas experiencing more accidents than urban areas. Authorities stressed the importance of using helmets and seat belts to mitigate fatalities.
Justice Sapre instructed agencies to enhance signage, eliminate encroachments, bolster highway patrolling, and expedite the rectification of black spots. Additionally, he called for road safety audits of new infrastructure, installation of speed cameras, and stricter penalties for repeat offenders, including license suspensions.
Officials reported taking action against 264 motorists in 2026. Discussions also revolved around proposals to mandate helmets for government employees and students, stricter scrutiny of licenses, insurance, and drunk driving, and the need for extensive public awareness campaigns. Jabalpur Collector Raghavendra Singh highlighted ongoing monitoring through District Road Safety Committee meetings, while Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay emphasized intensified enforcement, with over 1.09 lakh challans issued in 2025 and 28,555 issued until March 2026, coupled with counseling for violators.
This review, mandated by a Supreme Court order from April 2014, aims to evaluate the enforcement of motor vehicle laws. The committee collaborates with state governments and Union Territories to oversee road safety measures.
