Mumbai Records Significant Decade-Long Decline in Road Crash Deaths, But Recent Trends Raise Concerns
Mumbai has witnessed a substantial 39% reduction in road crash fatalities over a ten-year period, according to data from the Mumbai Traffic Police. The number of deaths decreased from 611 in 2015 to 374 in 2025. This long-term improvement reflects sustained efforts in traffic management and safety initiatives.
2025 Data Reveals Alarming Reversal in Injury Trends
Despite the overall decade-long decline, the year 2025 presented a concerning picture. Fatalities showed a slight increase compared to 2024, and the number of people injured in grievous crashes jumped by 6%. In 2024, 370 people died in fatal crashes, with 1,901 individuals suffering grievous injuries. By 2025, the injury count rose to 2,006 persons.
This recent uptick underscores persistent vulnerabilities in the city's road safety ecosystem, particularly for pedestrians.
Pedestrian Safety Emerges as Critical Priority Amid Metro Expansion
Transport activists and experts have emphasized that prioritizing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is an immediate and pressing need. This concern is amplified by the ongoing expansion of Mumbai's Metro network, which is expected to increase the number of commuters walking the "last mile" from Metro stations to their final destinations.
"Pedestrians typically form a majority of road users impacted in road crashes," stated Anil Kumbhare, Joint Commissioner of Traffic Police. He detailed proactive measures, saying, "We have identified and mapped 'black spots' where crashes occur repeatedly. The deadliest among these was Amar Mahal junction in the eastern suburbs. By joining hands with BMC, we made traffic engineering changes at this location and it has resulted in reduction in fatalities."
Addressing Evolving Threats: Black Spots and Drunk Driving
Authorities remain vigilant as new danger zones can emerge. Kumbhare noted, "New black spot locations could crop up as infrastructure projects wrap up in the city. Our personnel are constantly on the lookout for any dangerous crossings where there are gaps in the median. Details of any such location are shared with BMC and the gap is filled up."
In a significant enforcement shift, the traffic police began registering First Information Reports (FIRs) against drunk drivers in mid-2025 to prevent resultant crashes. Between April and December 2025, a total of 3,228 cognizable cases were registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act.
Expert Calls for a "Safe Systems" Approach to Achieve Zero Fatalities
Dhawal Ashar, a transport expert with non-profit WRI India, contextualized the data: "Compared to 2015, Mumbai has seen a significant decline in road crash fatalities. However, pedestrian hardships, which also reflect in its share of fatalities, continue. As Mumbai undergoes a massive transition, this is the right moment to set a vision of zero road traffic fatalities and adopt a safe systems approach to achieve it."
The human cost of these statistics was tragically illustrated by a major fatal crash reported near Bhandup West railway station on December 29 last year. A BEST bus, while reversing, rammed into pedestrians, resulting in four deaths—including one woman—and injuries to nine others.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that while long-term trends are positive, continuous, targeted action on engineering, enforcement, and education is essential to protect all road users, especially the most vulnerable pedestrians, in India's financial capital.
