Highlighting the alarming statistics that Mumbai, the financial hub, witnessed 1,895 road accidents in 2022, resulting in 371 fatalities, the Congress party raised concerns and sought clarity on the actions being taken by the Maharashtra government to address this critical issue.
Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) President and MLA Prof. Varsha Gaikwad brought attention to the matter during a session in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
“The occurrence of 1,895 road accidents in Mumbai in 2022, leading to the loss of 371 lives, is deeply concerning.
However, we see no sense of urgency from the government. While traffic regulations exist, their enforcement is lacking. In light of these figures, what steps does the government plan to take to curb road accidents in the city?” inquired Prof. Gaikwad.
Citing poor road conditions and inadequate rule implementation as primary contributors to accidents, Gaikwad, a former Maharashtra minister, stressed the need for stricter regulations and the imposition of hefty fines and penalties for traffic rule violations.
“In many areas, the roads are narrow, causing diversions that drivers may not recognize, resulting in numerous accidents. Despite certain locations being notorious for accidents, the government seems indifferent. To curtail the rising number of road accidents, there is a necessity for more stringent rules and the imposition of severe fines and penalties for traffic rule violations,” Gaikwad asserted. She also emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring of vehicles to reduce accidents.
“However, achieving this goal requires an adequate number of traffic police and Regional Transport Office (RTO) employees.
Unfortunately, numerous positions in the RTO and Traffic Police remain unfilled. When does the government plan to address these staff shortages?” Gaikwad questioned.
