Solan dist witnesses modest 2% decline in road accidents

Although road accidents in Himachal Pradesh have decreased by 6.48 per cent in the current financial year, the decline in Solan was a modest 2 per cent.

Solan district, which comprises the Solan and Baddi police districts, saw a marked reduction in accidents in Baddi. However, in Solan, accident numbers have shown an upward trend. In Baddi police district, the number of accidents dropped from 168 in 2023 to 142 in 2024. Fatalities also saw a slight decrease. The number of injuries saw a notable decline from 181 in 2023 to 150 in 2024.

Baddi Additional SP Ashok Verma credited extensive monetary challans for drunken driving under a special campaign launched in the district last year. These initiatives, he said, significantly improved road safety and contributed to the reduction in accidents.

"Equipped with advanced alcohol sensors, the police set up regular nakas across the district to increase visibility. This strategy has played a vital role in curbing drunken driving. The positive results of these efforts are evident in the significant reduction in road accidents," Verma added.

In contrast, road accidents increased in the Solan police district. According to police department data, accidents rose from 180 in 2023 to 189 in 2024. While the number of fatalities decreased from 44 to 34, injuries surged significantly, rising from 246 in 2023 to 299 in 2024.

Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma attributed the decline in fatalities to improved road safety measures. He said he has instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to install speed breakers and speed limit signages at accident-prone curves.

“This financial year, the PWD is spending approximately Rs 66 lakh on road safety, while the Education Department is investing Rs 14.40 lakh and the Himachal Road Transport Department is contributing about Rs 8 lakh,” said Sharma.

He added, since many accidents are alcohol-related, the police have been directed to increase the use of alcohol sensors to detect impaired drivers.

Despite the mixed results, authorities are optimistic that ongoing efforts to improve road safety would continue to reduce accidents in the region.