Nagpur: A data assessment by Nagpur City Police shows a significant reduction in fatal road accidents and deaths in 2025, credited to the citywide implementation of the ‘Smart Traffic Police’ initiative and strict enforcement drives under ‘Operation U-Turn’, led by Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal.

According to official figures compiled by the Traffic Branch for the period 1 January to 3 December, the city recorded a steep fall in fatal crashes:

Major Reduction in Fatal Accidents

Fatal accidents in 2024: 307
Fatal accidents in 2025: 231
Reduction: 76 cases (approx 24.75% decline)

Similarly, road fatalities have also dropped sharply:

Total deaths in 2024: 324
Total deaths in 2025: 245
Reduction: 79 deaths (approx 24.38% decline)

Police data also highlights a decline in major injury cases:

Serious accidents:
2024 – 448
2025 – 439
Drop – 9 cases
Minor accidents:
2024 – 342
2025 – 302
Drop – 40 cases

However, cases without injuries witnessed a slight rise due to improved reporting and on-ground patrolling.

Tech-Driven Policing on Roads

To control congestion caused by rapid growth in vehicle numbers, the Nagpur Police have increased technology-based surveillance alongside visible deployment of traffic personnel.

Under the initiative:

Officers are equipped with reflective jackets and blinker collars for night duty
Traffic batons are being used to guide vehicles in low-light conditions
CCTV and smart camera networks are being used to track violations
Immediate challans are issued for wrong-side driving, stunt biking, triple-seat riding, signal jumping, drunk driving and under-age driving
A data-based monitoring system identifies repeated offenders

Strict action is also being taken against illegal parking near markets, hospitals, bus stops and commercial stretches, with towing operations deployed to clear parked vehicles obstructing traffic.

Special Night Enforcement Teams

Following directions from Commissioner Dr Singal, special traffic squads have been stationed during night hours at key junctions including:

Airport area
RBI Square
Chhatrapati Square
Variety Square
Other busy corridors

The squads focus on illegal parking, stunt riding and wrong-side driving, with immediate penalties being imposed.

Operation U-Turn Boosts Safety

In a review meeting chaired by Joint Commissioner of Police Naveenchandra Reddy, officers discussed pending traffic issues, illegal parking action and strengthening night deployment.

Officials noted that ‘Operation U-Turn’ has been crucial in reducing accident fatalities by nearly 80 lives over the previous year.

Traffic ACP Mahesh Thakur, DCP Traffic Lohit Matani and inspectors from all 12 traffic zones attended the meeting.

Appeal to Citizens

Nagpur City Police have appealed to citizens to support the campaign by following traffic norms:

Wear helmets and seatbelts
Avoid illegal parking
Follow signal discipline
Cooperate with enforcement teams

Police authorities have stated that with public participation, Nagpur’s traffic system will become safer, smoother and smarter.