New data from the Chandigarh Traffic Police paints a grim picture of road safety in the city, revealing that 83 individuals lost their lives in 80 separate fatal accidents during the course of 2025. The statistics, compiled up to December 30, pinpoint a particularly hazardous three-hour window in the afternoon as the most lethal period on the city's roads.
The Deadly Afternoon: A Three-Hour Window of High Risk
The time between 12 noon and 3 PM emerged as the most dangerous, accounting for 15 fatalities – the highest for any time slot last year. This period, characterized by high traffic volume due to office commutes and peak commercial activity, saw nearly one in every five road deaths in Chandigarh. The data underscores a critical vulnerability during what many consider routine daytime hours.
The evening hours were not far behind in the fatality count. The period from 3 PM to 6 PM witnessed 12 fatal crashes claiming 12 lives. An equal number of deaths, 12 each, were recorded during the 6 PM to 9 PM and 9 PM to midnight slots. The morning rush also proved perilous, with 11 deaths between 9 AM and noon, and 8 fatalities between 6 AM and 9 AM.
While late-night hours between midnight and 3 AM saw fewer accidents (seven), their severity was higher, resulting in 10 deaths, indicating incidents with multiple casualties. The quietest period was between 3 AM and 6 AM, with three fatal accidents and three deaths.
Demographics of Danger: Young Adults and Two-Wheeler Riders Most Vulnerable
A breakdown by age reveals that individuals in the prime of their lives are bearing the brunt of this crisis. People aged 35 to 45 were the worst affected, with 21 deaths, constituting the highest toll among all age groups. They were closely followed by young adults aged 18 to 25, who accounted for 19 fatalities. The 45-60 age group saw 17 deaths, while 25-35-year-olds recorded 11. Alarmingly, 12 senior citizens above 60 and three minors below 18 also lost their lives.
The gender and victim category analysis highlights stark patterns. Men were disproportionately affected, making up 70 of the 83 total fatalities, compared to 13 women. In terms of transport mode, two-wheeler riders formed the largest group of victims, with 37 deaths. Pedestrians were the second most vulnerable, accounting for 34 fatalities, a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those walking on city roads. Cyclists accounted for nine deaths, while car occupants and auto-rickshaw users recorded one fatality each. One death was also reported in the e-rickshaw category.
Zone-Wise Breakdown and Police Response
Geographically, the South-East zone of Chandigarh recorded the highest number of fatalities at 26, followed by the South-West zone with 23 deaths. The East zone accounted for 18 deaths, and the Central zone recorded 16.
Beyond the fatal crashes, the city reported 154 non-fatal injury cases (110 male, 44 female victims) from 109 registered accidents. Additionally, nine fatal non-FIR cases, all involving male victims, were recorded, indicating incidents where formal police reports were not lodged.
In response to the alarming data, Chandigarh SSP (Traffic and Security) Sumer Pratap Singh announced a planned high-level meeting during the upcoming Road Safety Week. The meeting will bring together key stakeholders from the Tricity—Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula—including officials from the Engineering Department, Municipal Corporation, Urban Planning Department, police, and NGOs working on road safety.
The deliberations aim to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to curb accidents and ease congestion. SSP Singh stated that the focus will be on identifying practical solutions to reduce fatalities and improve traffic management. Alongside policy discussions, the traffic police will intensify special enforcement drives targeting overspeeding, drunk driving, helmet violations, and pedestrian safety. Public awareness campaigns are also slated to be conducted throughout the week to sensitize citizens about safe driving practices.
