Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir A tragic road accident on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway has once again underscored the deepening road safety crisis in Jammu and Kashmir. On Tuesday morning, a passenger bus collided with a stalled vehicle and a motorcycle near Jakhani–Chenani in Udhampur district, killing four people, including a CRPF jawan, and injuring others.
According to police, the bus was travelling from Doda to Jammu when it first hit a motorcycle and then rammed into a stationary vehicle being repaired at the roadside. The impact was so severe that the bus driver lost control and several passengers were thrown off the vehicle into a nearby ravine. Among the deceased was CRPF jawan Mukesh Prajapati, who was reportedly on his way home on leave.
The other victims included three civilians who were changing a tyre on the roadside vehicle at the time of the crash. A woman passenger was also seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
This latest accident highlights a much wider and ongoing problem on the roads of Jammu and Kashmir, where traffic fatalities and serious crashes are unusually high compared with many other parts of India. Official data shows that the Union Territory has recorded tens of thousands of road accidents in recent years, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries. Over‑speeding was identified as the leading cause of most of these crashes.
Experts point to a combination of challenging terrain, narrow and poorly maintained roads, and reckless driving behaviours as key factors in the high rate of accidents. In mountainous districts such as Udhampur, Ramban and Doda, winding highways without adequate safety barriers or signage can quickly turn minor errors into deadly incidents.
The Jammu–Srinagar route, a lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country, is particularly hazardous. Heavy traffic, unpredictable weather, and sudden changes in road conditions often make driving difficult even for experienced drivers. Local authorities have frequently raised concerns about the need for better infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and improved emergency response systems to reduce fatalities.
In response to the Udhampur crash, senior officials expressed grief and extended condolences to the families of the victims. However, residents and safety advocates say more consistent and structural action is needed to address the recurring pattern of deadly road accidents in the region.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder that road safety in Jammu and Kashmir remains a serious public concern, one that will require sustained effort from government, enforcement agencies, and citizens alike to prevent further loss of life.
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