Jaipur: The west division of the Jaipur Commissionerate has emerged as the city's most accident-prone zone, recording the highest number of road crashes and fatalities among all four police divisions. This exposes serious infrastructure gaps in rapidly expanding residential and industrial areas such as Vaishali Nagar, Vidhyadhar Nagar, and Jhotwara.
Accident Data Highlights Crisis
According to police data, the west division recorded 964 accidents and 333 fatalities in 2025, the highest in the city. The division's growing urban sprawl, coupled with inadequate civic planning, has significantly contributed to the crisis. Several roads in newly added areas continue to lack basic traffic infrastructure, including proper signages, lane markings, and pedestrian safety measures. Poorly maintained industrial roads have further aggravated the problem.
Residents Voice Concerns
"What's more problematic is the condition of roads inside the RIICO area of Jhotwara. For most part of the year, the roads are filled with craters and remain in terrible conditions," said Hanuman Meena, a cab driver residing on Banar Road. Officials noted that the accident figures also include the Harmada accident in November, in which at least 13 people were killed.
Police Measures Underway
"The number of accidents and fatalities is too high in this division. This is mainly because of its proximity to two highways and severely congested interior localities. We have implemented several measures to bring down the number. We are trying to regulate traffic, increase vigil against traffic violations, and have plans to install traffic signages at key points," an official said.
Activists Call for Systemic Changes
Road safety activists said the issue reflects weak monitoring in Jaipur's fast-growing urban pockets. "We must focus on rapidly expanding areas where serious crashes and fatalities are occurring. We need safer public transport, stronger enforcement, and people-centric road designs," said Neha Khullar, executive director of Muskaan Foundation for Road Safety.
This article is based on reporting by Arpit Basu, who has over a decade and a half of experience in print and digital media, covering aviation, transport, crime, civic issues, and human interest stories. His sting operation on the pilferage of Aviation Turbine Fuel received widespread acclaim. He has also received training from Google and Facebook on fact-checking.
