December 30, 2025: Authorities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have expressed concern over continued road fatalities, with official data showing that an average of four lives were lost daily in road accidents during the first 11 months of the year. Figures from the state transport department indicate that 1,428 people died in 5,508 road accidents across the MMR between January and November, marginally higher than 1,403 deaths from 5,448 accidents in the same period last year, and 1,376 fatalities from 5,450 accidents in 2023.
Mumbai recorded the highest number of fatalities at 326, followed by Navi Mumbai with 257 and Palghar with 246. In terms of accident volume, Mumbai topped the list with 2,381 incidents, followed by Thane (900) and Thane city (745). Officials noted that while numbers have remained broadly consistent over three years, rapid urbanisation, rising vehicle density and infrastructure expansion continue to pose safety challenges.
The MMR, which includes Mumbai, Thane, Mira Bhayandar, Vasai Virar, Navi Mumbai, Palghar and parts of Raigad, faces heavy vehicular pressure. Mumbai alone has over 15 lakh registered vehicles, translating to around 753 vehicles per square kilometre. Authorities acknowledge that road conditions, vehicle mix and driver behaviour contribute to risk, particularly where pedestrians, cyclists, two-wheelers and heavy vehicles share limited road space.
Experts working with government agencies have highlighted the need to prioritise vulnerable road users. Dhawal Ashar of the World Resources Institute said, “We need to plan for the most vulnerable road user, through the current transitional period that we are in.” Law enforcement officials have also pointed to human error. “A large number of drivers ignore basic traffic laws,” said Anil Kumbhare, joint commissioner of police (traffic), Mumbai.
Civic and traffic authorities across the MMR said measures such as enforcement drives, engineering improvements and awareness campaigns are ongoing. Thane traffic officials noted some improvement, with Pankaj Shirsat, deputy commissioner of police (traffic), stating, “This year, we have registered fewer accidents as well as deaths compared to last year.” The MMR administration reiterated that coordinated action on planning, enforcement and education remains central to improving road safety across the region.
Source: Hindustan Times
