Nagpur: The Nagpur city has emerged as the top performer in Maharashtra in reducing fatal road accident deaths in 2025, following the launch of a focused road safety drive titled “Operation U-Turn” by the Nagpur City Police. The special campaign was initiated in July 2025 and has delivered significant results within months.

According to official data available till December 21, 2025, the city recorded a 26 per cent reduction in deaths caused by fatal road accidents, resulting in the saving of 90 human lives this year. With this achievement, Nagpur has secured the first position in the state in terms of percentage reduction in road accident fatalities.

The Supreme Court-appointed Committee on Road Safety has directed all states to ensure a minimum annual reduction of 10 per cent in road accident deaths, with a long-term vision of achieving “zero road accident deaths.” Emphasising that road safety is a fundamental right of citizens, the committee has called for improvements in infrastructure, rectification of accident-prone black spots, strict enforcement of helmet and seatbelt rules, action against illegal lights and hooters, and effective use of technology. Nagpur City Police have aligned their enforcement strategy with these national objectives.

As per statistics released by the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Maharashtra, Nagpur ranked first in reducing road accident deaths in 2025 compared to 2024, followed by Paithan (20 per cent) and Amravati city (17 per cent). In terms of absolute reduction in fatalities till November 30, 2025, Nagpur reported a decline of 80 deaths, ahead of Pune city (55) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (18).

Key actions under ‘Operation U-Turn’

Strict action against drunken driving:

More than 3,000 drivers are being screened daily across the city. In 2025 so far, 5,366 cases of drunk driving have been registered, achieving a 100 per cent conviction rate. Repeat offenders have been sentenced to 15 days’ imprisonment. On average, 90 mobile checkpoints are set up daily.

Crackdown on rash and negligent driving:

Special teams are acting against overspeeding, wrong-side driving, triple-seat riding and reckless driving. Around 60 motorists are booked daily under BNS Section 281, with 880 cases registered so far. Offenders are being detained and their vehicles seized.

Zero tolerance towards underage driving:

Action is being taken against parents who allow minors to drive under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act. In 2025, action has been initiated against 60 minors and their parents, with a 100 per cent conviction rate. The minors involved have been declared ineligible for driving licences.

Accident-prone black spots:

Identified black spots across the city have been officially notified and equipped with additional manpower, zig-zag barricades, accident-prone warning boards, rumble strips and blinkers.

Parking and no-parking discipline:

In coordination with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, parking and no-parking zones have been demarcated with road markings and special police deployment to prevent congestion-related accidents.

Action against illegal food trucks and modified vehicles:

Over 25 illegally parked or modified food trucks and vehicles have been seized under Sections 52, 190 and 39/192 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Restrictions on private bus parking:

Parking of private buses has been banned on the Inner Ring Road. Action has been taken against 300 buses, proposals have been moved to cancel licences of 20 buses, and two bus operators are proposed to be blacklisted.

Control on heavy vehicles:

Entry of heavy vehicles is prohibited within the Outer Ring Road between 6 am and 10 pm. Even during permitted hours, strict monitoring is enforced. So far, 20,900 heavy vehicles have faced action for violations.

Commissioner’s message

“Road safety is not merely about enforcement of law; it is about protecting human life. Through ‘Operation U-Turn’, Nagpur city is taking firm steps towards the Supreme Court’s goal of zero road accident deaths. This achievement belongs to disciplined citizens and a committed police force,” said Ravinder Kumar Singal, Police Commissioner, Nagpur City.

The road ahead

The Nagpur City Police have outlined further measures, including a special drive against drunken driving from December 22 to 31, deployment of 131 checkpoints daily, strict action against helmetless riders, intensified enforcement against wrong-side driving and triple-seat riding, and creation of safer pedestrian crossings.

With continued citizen cooperation, the Nagpur City Police have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the goal of “zero road accident deaths.”