MUMBAI: Road crash deaths in Maharashtra witnessed a slight decline from 11,912 in Jan-Sept 2025 to 11,326 in the corresponding period this year. But the loss of over 11,000 lives in nine months remains concerning and underscores the need for sustained, coordinated action, experts said.
Overall, the state witnessed 26,915 total crashes in Jan-Sept 2026. Of these, 10,444 were fatal crashes.
26,915 crashes this year
"The Director General of Police's Critical Corridor Teams initiative has enabled more focused, data-driven enforcement along high-risk corridors and during high-risk hours. The Public Works Department and National Highways Authority of India must now undertake road engineering improvements in mission mode, particularly along identified high-risk corridors," said Piyush Tewari, CEO of the non-profit SaveLIFE Foundation.
Priority interventions should include installing appropriate crash barriers and guardrails, traffic calming measures where vulnerable road users face heightened risks and enhanced safety measures around schools, including safe crossings and speed management, Tewari suggested. Recently, experts tied up with a Regional Transport Office and carried out a thorough road safety audit on a 2.5 km stretch of Malshej Ghat.
"We are also working towards better road user behaviour," said Ajay Govale of the non-profit United Way Mumbai, which carried out the audit. "We have tied up with different RTOs for training driving licence applicants in defensive driving."
Strengthening post-crash trauma care is critical. "The Supreme Court recognised the right to trauma care as a fundamental right and issued nine directions to strengthen the country's emergency trauma care system. Maharashtra must prioritise the implementation of these directions, including strengthening ambulance services, establishing a coordinated trauma care network, improving hospital preparedness and implementing the PM-RAHAT scheme to ensure eligible road crash victims receive timely, cashless treatment," Tewari added.
In Mumbai, 248 fatal crashes and 260 fatalities were reported in Jan-Sept 2026. Senior traffic police officers said black spots have been identified and corrective measures, both short-term and long-term, are being implemented.
