79 of 191 fatal road accident victims in city were pedestrians in 2024
Times of India | 12 February 2025
12 Kolkata: Of the 191 people killed in road accidents in the city last year, 79 were pedestrians, who made up for 41% of total fatal accident victims. Though the number of pedestrians killed was slightly more than that in 2023—72 died that year—the percentage was less, as pedestrains accounted for 45% fatal accident victims in 2023. But 2025 has started on a worse note with 10 out of 20-odd fatal accident victims being pedestrians so far, constituting almost 50% the count.
Worried about the 2025 figure, police launched a road safety campaign, with pedestrians' security at the top of the agenda, on Monday, followed by bikers' safety on Tuesday. Pedestrians and bikers together constituted 65%-70% fatal deaths in the city since 2022. Cops have been carrying out several experiments in traffic rules and infrastructure on major roads. From building median dividers on major roads, such as D H Road and EM Bypass, to setting up pedestrian channels outside schools and refuge islands at important crossings, cops have been trying out multiple measures to bring down fatalities. Now, in a fresh bid to stop jaywalking—often the cause of accidents—police have set up loudspeakers at crossings, to announce about vehicle rush and to caution pedestrians against dangerous practices. In addition, the pedestrian signals, with timers, will not only be visible to the motorists but also to pedestrians, who can time themselves accordingly.
The South Traffic Guard has set up this unique signal at the Park Street crossing, which will soon be replicated at other important intersections. "Though Kolkata has been deemed the best among metros, the total number of fatal accidents last year was still higher than that in 26 other smaller cities. The result is mainly due to pedestrians' deaths," said a senior officer. "Pedestrians are in focus of all big-ticket traffic projects of 2025—setting up of boom barriers, model crossings, refuge islands at big intersections, setting up of on-ground LED signals."
"The situation turns challenging when pedestrians try to cross roads haphazardly, especially in peak hours. Pedestrians can be controlled better if refuge islands are created and boom barriers are put up to regulate jaywalking. On-road signals will caution them to be careful," an officer stated.
Police pointed out no amount of road engineering could replace safety awareness. "Sensitisation is needed. We will carry out campaigns, including at educational institutes and housing complexes," an officer said.