Ludhiana ranks 3rd in India in road accident deaths, reveals report

Ludhiana has become the third deadliest city in the country for road accidents, trailing only Agra and Asansol, while Punjab itself ranks as the third state nationwide in terms of road fatality, behind Mizoram and Bihar. Road safety expert Kamaljit Soi said this in a press release issued today after analysing the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)-2023 report released on September 30.

He called for immediate governmental intervention to stem the tide of preventable deaths.

As per the NCRB report, in Ludhiana alone, out of 504 reported road accidents in 2023, a staggering 402 individuals lost their lives, translating to an alarming 80 per cent fatality rate. Scaling up to the state level, Punjab recorded 6,276 accidents, claiming 4,906 lives and yielding a 78% fatality rate – a statistic that means nearly eight out of every 10 crashes end in tragedy. "These roads have turned into graveyards, claiming innocent lives every single day," Soi emphasised in his release, highlighting how the state's infrastructure and enforcement lapses have transformed everyday commutes into high-stakes gambles with mortality.

Kamaljit Soi, an international road safety expert and spokesperson for BJP Punjab said, "These are not just numbers; they are fathers who never returned home, mothers whose children are now orphans, and young lives that ended before they even began," he stated.

In a call to action, the state BJP unit, through Soi, has demanded the declaration of a "Road Safety Emergency" in the state, complete with a comprehensive crash-reduction mission. The proposed blueprint includes an immediate enforcement blitz featuring speed cameras, mandatory alcohol checks, and zero-tolerance policies for violations; urgent rectification of killer black spots through redesign, enhanced signage, and improved lighting.

Other suggestions include a "Golden Hour Guarantee" ensuring every victim receives specialized trauma care within 60 minutes; strict accountability measures holding transport and police officers responsible for lapses; and widespread community engagement involving schools, colleges, and transport unions to foster a culture of road discipline.