Manipur Sees 830+ Road Deaths in 3,000 Accidents, Surpasses National Average

Manipur has recorded a significantly higher road accident fatality rate than the national average, with deaths occurring in nearly 29 per cent of accidents, compared to the all-India average of 9.3 per cent, officials said.

Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai, Government of Manipur, highlighted the alarming figures while speaking at a function in Imphal on Saturday. He said that over 3,000 road accidents and 834 deaths were reported in the state over a seven-year period leading up to late 2025, underscoring a serious public safety concern.

According to Bajpai, Manipur’s fatality rate—measured as deaths per accident—is almost three times the national average. He noted that overspeeding emerged as the leading cause of road fatalities in 2022, while inadequate accident response mechanisms continue to pose challenges in saving lives.

To address the issue, Bajpai said the state government will organise workshops and awareness programmes, including activities under National Road Safety Month 2026, aimed at training police, health and transport officials and improving inter-departmental coordination in accident management.

He emphasised that most road accidents are preventable, adding that every life lost is a tragedy for families, communities and the state. Ensuring road safety, he said, must be a top priority across both valley and hill districts, alongside infrastructure development.

Bajpai also urged the public to remain vigilant and report road safety gaps, such as the absence of caution markings near school zones, stating that timely interventions can help prevent avoidable accidents and contribute to community welfare.

During January 2026, the Manipur Government and the Transport Department are intensifying efforts under the three Es—Engineering, Enforcement and Education. These include improvements in road design, signage, black spot rectification and pedestrian safety measures.

He added that a series of educational programmes will be organised in schools, and District Collectors have been directed to conduct road safety activities in their respective districts. The initiatives aim to sensitise citizens about traffic rules, responsible driving and the protection of human lives, in line with the theme “Sadak Suraksha, Jeevan Raksha.”