Mangaluru: An RTI reply has revealed alarming road safety statistics in Mangaluru City Police jurisdiction, showing that between 2017 and mid-2023, road accidents claimed 845 lives, while thousands more suffered major and minor injuries. The data, compiled from multiple police stations and verified by RTI applications, underscores the growing concern over road infrastructure and enforcement in the coastal city.
Year-wise accident statistics
The RTI data paints a detailed picture of accident trends in the city:
| Year | Total Accidents | Fatalities | Grievously Injured | Minor Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 306 | 64 | 262 | 61 |
| 2018 | 259 | 48 | 208 | 89 |
| 2019 | 255 | 50 | 191 | 99 |
| 2020 | 174 | 34 | 150 | 55 |
| 2021 | 227 | 38 | 179 | 75 |
| 2022 | 254 | 47 | 154 | 137 |
| 2023 (up to May) | 122 | 16 | 96 | 88 |
Total (2017 – May 2023):
- Accidents: 1,597
- Fatalities: 845
- Grievous injuries: 1,240
- Minor injuries: 604
Key observations
- High fatality rate: Despite some fluctuations, fatalities have remained consistently high, averaging over 120 deaths annually.
- Two-wheelers most affected: Across the years, motorised two-wheelers accounted for the majority of accidents and casualties.
- COVID-19 dip: In 2020, accident numbers dropped due to pandemic restrictions, but fatalities and injuries quickly rose again post-lockdown.
- 2023 mid-year data concerning: With 16 deaths already reported by May, the year may record another significant toll if trends continue.
Police station data highlights
According to breakdowns from various police stations between 2017–2022:
- South (Jappinamogaru): 1,277 major injuries, 526 minor injuries, and 269 fatalities.
- North (Baikampady): 1,144 major injuries, 516 minor injuries, and 281 fatalities.
- East (Kadri): 354 major injuries and 113 fatalities.
- West (Pandeshwar): 327 injuries and 34 fatalities.
- Bajpe: 204 major injuries, 312 minor injuries, and 49 fatalities.
- Moodabidre: 171 major injuries and 99 fatalities.
- In total, 6,569 casualties (injuries + deaths) were recorded across Mangaluru city limits during this period.
Citizens demand accountability
Local activists, including Bhuvan Mangalore, who filed the RTI, have called for urgent action. In a public statement, he highlighted that politicians raise their voices when influential individuals are harmed, but remain silent on the 845 common lives lost.
“To make it clear to our politicians, who have taken bribes from road contractors to keep their mouth shut, please remember you lost 845 voters from 2017 to mid-2023. The only word you understand is voters,” he said.
He urged the Mangaluru Police Commissioner to take suo motu cognisance under Article 300 of the Indian Constitution and file cases against the NHAI and contractors responsible for poor road safety standards.
Need for better infrastructure and enforcement
Experts suggest that the city’s road fatalities are a mix of poor road conditions, speeding, lack of enforcement, and unsafe driving practices. National highways passing through Mangaluru have long been criticised for potholes, unscientific humps, and poorly lit stretches.
Activists stress the need for:
- Strict enforcement of helmet and seatbelt rules.
- Regular road audits to identify accident-prone blackspots.
- Improved pedestrian facilities and signage.
- Accountability from contractors on road quality and maintenance.
Conclusion
The RTI data lays bare the stark reality of road safety in Mangaluru: 845 lives lost in just over six years. Unless there is strong political will, accountability from contractors, and systematic enforcement, the city risks seeing these numbers rise further. For now, the statistics stand as a grim reminder that road safety must be prioritised as a matter of life and death.