Nagpur: Building on the success of the ‘Operation U-Turn’ initiative implemented in Nagpur city under the leadership of Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal, the Highway Safety Police have now expanded the campaign across national and state highways within the Nagpur Range. The comprehensive road safety drive aims to significantly reduce highway accidents and fatalities, according to Superintendent of Police (Highway Safety), Lohit Matani.
According to an analysis conducted by the Highway Safety Police, a total of 971 people lost their lives in highway accidents across the Nagpur Range in 2023. Through a combination of preventive measures, black spot rectification, and coordinated enforcement campaigns, the death toll declined to 657 in 2025, marking an impressive reduction of nearly 32 percent over two years.
However, while the overall number of accidents decreased during the period from January to May 2026, the number of fatalities remained unchanged at 304. This trend highlights that reducing accident severity and preventing fatal crashes has emerged as the next major challenge for road safety authorities.
Dedicated Accident Analysis Cell Established
Following the model adopted by Nagpur City Police, the Highway Safety Police, Nagpur Range, have established a dedicated Accident Analysis Cell. The new unit will focus on identifying the root causes of accidents, conducting scientific analysis of black spots, mapping accident-prone stretches, and recommending immediate corrective measures.
The cell will regularly study accident data, fatality patterns, black spots, road engineering deficiencies, the effectiveness of traffic enforcement, and required safety improvements. Recommendations will be communicated to district administrations and road development agencies for prompt action.
Five Key Priorities Under ‘Operation U-Turn’
1. Special Drive Against Drunk Driving
Joint checkpoints, breathalyzer testing, and strict legal action will be intensified, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours.
2. Strict Enforcement of Helmet Rules
Recognizing the lack of helmet use as a major cause of fatalities among two-wheeler riders, highway authorities will enforce mandatory helmet regulations more rigorously.
3. Crackdown on Overspeeding
Special speed-control drives, speed gun monitoring, and increased e-challan enforcement will be carried out on national highways, the Samruddhi Mahamarg, and other accident-prone routes.
4. Action Against Hazardous Roadside Parking
A dedicated campaign will target vehicles parked dangerously along highways to prevent rear-end collisions, a common cause of serious accidents.
5. Integrated Road Safety Dashboard
An integrated dashboard will bring together agencies including the National Highways Authority, Public Works Department (PWD), Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), local self-government bodies, and other stakeholders. The platform will facilitate regular monitoring of black spots, safety deficiencies, signage, crash barriers, street lighting, service roads, and ongoing infrastructure improvements.
Joint Action Plan Across Districts
A coordinated mechanism involving all District Superintendents of Police, Traffic Branches, and Highway Safety Police units within the Nagpur Range will conduct monthly reviews of accident-prevention measures. Authorities will also maintain continuous follow-up with relevant agencies to ensure timely engineering and traffic-related improvements at accident-prone locations and identified black spots.
Appeal to Citizens
“Road safety is not solely the responsibility of the police. Every driver and rider has a crucial role to play in making roads safer. Strict adherence to traffic rules, use of helmets and seatbelts, compliance with speed limits, and avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol can prevent a significant number of road fatalities,” said Superintendent of Police Lohit Matani.
The expansion of Operation U-Turn reflects the Nagpur Highway Safety Police’s renewed focus on data-driven enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and public participation to reduce highway deaths and improve road safety across the region.
