The city of Chandigarh has witnessed a grim toll on its roads in the current year, with traffic fatalities reaching a concerning number. Provisional data from the traffic police reveals that 81 people lost their lives in road accidents between January 1 and December 5, 2025. This figure is alarmingly equal to the total number of road deaths recorded for the entirety of 2024.
Victim Profile and Vulnerable Road Users
A detailed breakdown of the 2025 data shows a stark gender disparity among the victims. Of the 81 fatalities, 69 were male and 12 were female. The analysis pinpoints which groups of road users are most endangered. Two-wheeler riders accounted for the highest number of deaths, with 39 fatalities. This underscores the extreme vulnerability of motorcycle and scooter users on city roads.
Pedestrians formed the second-largest group of victims. 31 individuals died while attempting to cross roads in various parts of Chandigarh. Other casualties included eight cyclists, and one death each involving a car occupant, an e-rickshaw passenger, and an autorickshaw traveler.
A Comparative Look and the Root Causes
Comparing this year's partial data with the previous full year highlights a persistent crisis. In 2024, 81 deaths occurred across 78 fatal accidents, with 34 two-wheeler riders and 27 pedestrians among the victims. The gender split was identical to 2025: 69 males and 12 females.
According to police analysis, speeding during late-night and early morning hours remains the leading cause of these deadly incidents. One particularly tragic case cited was from the Holi festival, where a drunk driver in a Volkswagen Polo, allegedly speeding at 150 kmph, crashed into a police check post at the Chandigarh-Zirakpur barrier. The collision killed three people, including two police officers.
Expert Analysis and Safety Initiatives
Road safety activists emphasize the need for targeted interventions. Harman Sidhu, president of the ArriveSafe NGO, stated that two-wheeler riders and pedestrians continue to be the most vulnerable. "Speeding among two-wheelers and the use of substandard helmets are major factors behind rider fatalities," Sidhu explained. "Pedestrian deaths largely occur due to not using zebra crossings and taking shortcuts."
In response to the ongoing challenge, the Chandigarh Traffic Police operates a dedicated road safety education cell. This initiative aims to spread awareness about traffic rules among students, the general public, and professional drivers. Their outreach includes:
- School visits for early education on road safety.
- Public awareness drives at popular spots like Sukhna Lake.
- Training sessions at the Children Traffic Park in Sector 23.
The program's core focus areas are promoting helmet and seat belt usage, enforcing lane discipline, ensuring pedestrian safety, and highlighting the dangers of using mobile phones while driving.
