City roads in Ahmedabad turned significantly deadlier in 2025, with traffic police data showing a steep rise in hit-and-run fatalities even as overall fatal accidents grew at a slower rate. While total fatal accidents increased by about 7.7%—from 401 in 2024 to 432 in 2025—fatal hit-and-run cases jumped by an alarming 49%, rising from 59 to 85 over the same period.
Hit-and-run incidents causing serious injuries also climbed sharply, up 27% from 59 cases in 2024 to 75 in 2025. The figures point to a deeper crisis driven by risky driving behaviour, enforcement gaps and mounting traffic pressure. Police and road safety experts warn that without urgent corrective measures, the situation could deteriorate further.
Official records show that the 432 fatal accidents in 2025 claimed 441 lives. In addition, 813 accidents resulted in grievous injuries and 182 caused minor injuries. Serious injury cases rose by 15%, with the number of people grievously injured increasing from 790 in 2024 to 944 in 2025. Overall, the city reported 1,427 accidents involving deaths or injuries in 2025, up from 1,323 the previous year.
Among traffic police divisions, K-Division—covering areas such as Danilimda, Kagdapith and Narol—recorded the highest number of fatal hit-and-run cases at 17. I-Division followed closely with 16 such cases across Amraiwadi, Khokhra, Nikol, Odhav and Ramol. Notably, I-Division saw the sharpest rise, with fatal hit-and-run deaths doubling from eight in 2024 to 16 in 2025.
In terms of overall accident volume, I-Division topped the list with 228 accidents out of the citywide total of 1,427. G-Division ranked second, reporting 168 accidents from areas including Airport, Krishnanagar, Meghaninagar, Naroda and Sardarnagar.
Traffic experts attribute the worsening trend to a mix of behavioural and infrastructural issues. One expert pointed to the high involvement of teenagers, noting that many young drivers lack formal training and learn driving informally. The growing use of automatic vehicles, he said, has compounded the problem, as inexperienced drivers often struggle to respond during emergencies due to poor control and immature driving habits.
Another expert said fear, lack of awareness and mob behaviour frequently prompt drivers to flee accident scenes. “Many people don’t know what to do after an accident. Crowds gather quickly, blame the driver without understanding the cause and sometimes even turn violent. Drivers panic and escape instead of informing the police or calling an ambulance,” he said, stressing that staying at the spot and arranging medical help is both a legal and moral obligation.
Traffic officials also flagged emerging challenges. One officer said the rapid rise of electric vehicles, which operate almost silently, has increased accident risks as pedestrians and other motorists often fail to notice them approaching. Another pointed to rising vehicle density and congestion. “When drivers find an empty stretch, they tend to overspeed, which often leads to severe accidents,” he said.
Despite the worrying numbers, police say improved surveillance has strengthened detection. In hit-and-run cases, only about 5% remain untraceable, as CCTV cameras across the city help identify vehicles and track offenders in most instances.
