Road crash deaths in the national Capital have reduced by 2.5 per cent till September 2025 compared to the same period last year, while fatal road crashes dipped by 2.9 per cent, according to data released by the Delhi Traffic Police on Tuesday.
Officials said the steady decline reflects a focused and scientific approach to road safety. The police have shifted from routine enforcement to evidence-based interventions, identifying risk zones, fixing black spots, and redesigning roads for safer mobility. “This change has empowered the Government to be more proactive in saving lives through targeted interventions and programmes. The continued reduction in deaths is the result of focusing on risk factors and recommending life-saving measures at high-risk locations,” said Ajay Chaudhry, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic Management Division Zone-II).
Till September 2025, road crash deaths dropped from 1,178 to 1,149. Fatal crashes declined from 1,148 to 1,115 in the same period. Officials said the numbers indicate that the city’s multi-pronged strategy is working. The reduction, they said, comes from the Traffic Police’s “Crash Research Cell”, which analyses every road crash to find patterns and reasons behind fatalities. The cell studies detailed crash data to locate dangerous stretches across Delhi’s roads. These are then marked as “black spots.” Once identified, these sites are inspected by the Traffic Police’s engineering team. The team then recommends road design changes, better lighting, proper signage, and other safety upgrades. In line with global best practices, the police have also made a symbolic but significant change, renaming the Accident Report of Delhi as the Delhi Road Crash Report. The shift from the word “accident” to “crash” reflects the view that road deaths are preventable, not inevitable. “This mindset change has made officers more alert to prevention rather than reaction,” said a senior traffic officer.
This year, the Delhi Traffic Police have identified 143 high-risk locations across the city. They have recommended structural improvements and installation of new signage to make these roads safer. These measures include repainting lane markings, fixing potholes, and improving pedestrian crossings.
In addition, the traffic police are working with the Public Works Department and other civic agencies to ensure that recommendations made during the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) meetings are acted upon. At these meetings, Assistant Commissioners of Police (Traffic) and circle inspectors coordinate with district officials to handle road-specific issues.
Speed management has been another major focus. The police have deployed speed-calming measures at over 30 locations, especially near schools, hospitals, and colleges. These include new speed breakers, redesigned roundabouts, and pedestrian-friendly crossings.
Training has also been stepped up. Over 3,600 police personnel have undergone special courses in speed management and road safety. These sessions, conducted by road safety experts, focus on enforcement techniques, crash prevention, and emergency response. Data analysis has become central to the department’s work. Officers have been trained to map high-risk corridors using digital tools, helping them predict and prevent future crashes.
Despite the improvement, senior officers admit that challenges remain. The capital continues to report one of the highest numbers of road deaths among Indian cities. Pedestrian safety, speeding, and wrong-side driving remain persistent threats. “We have made progress, but we can’t afford to slow down,” said an officer. Officials said the next phase will focus on improving pedestrian safety and using more technology, including AI-based speed cameras and automated enforcement systems.
