Imphal: Road accidents in Manipur are significantly higher than the national average, with a fatality rate of around 29 per cent compared to the all-India average of 9.3 per cent.
Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, stated at a function held in Imphal on Saturday that the state’s fatality rate—measured as deaths per accident—is nearly three times the national average, a major concern highlighted by officials in late 2025.
Bajpai said that more than 3,000 road accidents and 834 deaths were reported in Manipur over a seven-year period leading up to late 2025.
He said overspeeding emerged as a primary cause of road fatalities in 2022, while the state continues to face challenges in implementing effective accident response systems.
He added that the department will organise workshops and various programmes, including National Road Safety Month 2026, to train police, health and transport officials and strengthen inter-departmental coordination in accident management.
Bajpai said the Road Safety Month highlights the fact that most road accidents are preventable and that every life lost is a tragedy for families, communities and the state. He stressed that ensuring road safety must be a top priority across both valley and hill districts alongside infrastructure development.
Bajpai urged the public to remain vigilant about road safety shortcomings, such as the absence of caution markings near school zones, to prevent avoidable incidents, adding that such measures are vital for societal and community welfare.
He said that during January 2026, the Government of Manipur and the Transport Department are intensifying efforts under the three Es—Engineering, Enforcement and Education—to improve road design, signage, black spot rectification and pedestrian safety.
He added that the department will organise a series of educational activities in schools and has directed District Collectors to conduct events 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.