Manipur's road accident deaths exceeds national average

IMPHAL — Manipur has recorded a significantly higher road accident fatality rate than the national average, raising serious concerns about road safety in the state, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport/TCI) Anurag Bajpai said.

Speaking at the one-day state level workshop on Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR), cashless treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme 2025 and Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Vehicles Accident Scheme at the Institute of Driver Training and Research Centre near Imphal on Monday, Bajpai informed that over the past seven years, more than 3,000 road accidents have occurred, resulting in the loss of 834 lives.

“Manipur’s rate is significantly higher at 29%, indicating a serious concern for road safety in the state while the national average mortality rate due to road accidents stands at 9.3%,” he said.

Bajpai, also the Chief Wildlife Warden, highlighted Manipur's high mortality rate, emphasising the urgent need for effective implementation of road safety schemes. Citing Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reports, he noted that India recorded over 4.80 lakh road accidents in 2023.

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He highlighted two significant digital initiatives: the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) and the Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, marking a major step forward in societal development.

Nongdren Khomba, resource person from NIC, delivered a presentation on the topic ‘Introduction to eDAR (iRAD) Project,’ while District Transport Officer (Imphal West) Kh Sanjeev spoke on ‘Cashless treatment under eDAR.’