NCRB 2024: 50% of road fatalities in Ahmedabad of pedestrians, cyclists; Highest among Indian cities

AHMEDABAD: In 2024, the city topped India for the highest number of road fatalities recorded of the most vulnerable road users - pedestrians and cyclists in percentage terms of total road accidents recorded. Of 410 total road fatalities, 50% of 205 were pedestrians (180) or cyclists (25). The share of 50% for these two categories was the highest among the 53 cities included in the 'Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI)' report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released on Wednesday. The percentage was also more than double of the national average of 21% for these two categories combined.Comparing Ahmedabad with some major cities, the two categories accounted for 37% of the total road fatalities in Chennai, 29% in Bengaluru, 25% in Kolkata, 11% in Mumbai, and 8% in Delhi. Rajkot (33%), and Surat (44%) also recorded such fatalities higher than the national average fatalities, whereas Vadodara (14%) was below national average, according to the report.Other major categories in road fatalities in Ahmedabad were two-wheelers at 171 (42%) and SUVs/cars at 20 (5%). The silver lining was a reduction in overall road fatalities from 535 in 2023 in Ahmedabad city.The trend for Gujarat was slightly different. At 3,765, two-wheelers accounted for 49% of the 7,717 fatal road accidents. Other major categories included pedestrians at 1,710 (22%), SUVs/cars at 1,032 (13%), and trucks at 540 (7%).Amit Khatri, a road safety expert in Ahmedabad, said that pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable road users, especially in cities. "There are multiple reasons for the phenomenon – there are few foot overbridges, inadequate usable footpaths, and infrastructure that promote walking. To reduce fatalities, clear demarcation of crowded areas such as vegetable markets, vehicle-free zones, and walker-friendly markings and infrastructure could be some starting points," he said.Experts also urged authorities for a better analysis of fatal road accidents.