Manipur road accident wreaks havoc: Over 830 deaths in 3,000 accidents
Imphal: Road accidents in Manipur are significantly higher than the national average, with a fatality rate of around 29 percent, compared to 9.3 percent across India.
Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary of the Manipur government, said at an event in Imphal on Saturday that the state’s fatality rate – measured as deaths per accident – is nearly three times the national average, which officials have cited as a major concern by the end of 2025.
Bajpai said that over 3,000 road accidents and 834 deaths occurred in Manipur in the seven-year period until the end of 2025.
He said that overspeeding emerged as the leading cause of road accident deaths in 2022, while the state faces challenges in implementing an effective accident response system.
He said the department will organize workshops and various programs, including National Road Safety Month 2026, to train police, health, and transport officials and strengthen inter-departmental coordination in accident management.
Bajpayee said Road Safety Month emphasizes that most road accidents are preventable, and every loss of life is a tragedy for families, communities, and the state. He stressed that ensuring road safety, along with infrastructure development, should be a top priority in both valley and hill districts.
Bajpayee urged people to be aware of road safety deficiencies, such as the absence of caution signs near school zones, to prevent avoidable accidents, and said such measures are crucial for the well-being of society and communities.
He said that during January 2026, the Manipur government and the Transport Department are intensifying efforts to improve road design, signage, address black spots, and pedestrian safety under the three E’s—Engineering, Enforcement, and Education.
He further stated that the department will organize several educational activities in schools and has directed district collectors to organize events in their respective districts.
These efforts aim to raise awareness among citizens about traffic rules, responsible driving, and protecting human life through the theme of “Road Safety is Life Saving.”
