City Roads Turn Deadly as Accidents Surge

Visakhapatnam’s roads are turning deadly, with accidents claiming lives almost every day. One or two people die daily, and several others are injured, raising concern over the city’s growing traffic chaos. Many residents believe the police are focusing more on collecting challans than controlling traffic.

“Every time I step out, I feel like I’m taking a risk,” said K. Venkatesh, a shop owner near Maddilapalem Junction. “Instead of managing the flow, police stand with cameras checking fines. They’re not preventing accidents — they’re just recording them.”

At many intersections, officers are seen stopping vehicles to check fines or photograph violators, often ignoring the jams building around them. Frustrated motorists speed through signals to avoid being stopped, causing collisions.

Around midnight on Friday, a speeding lorry rammed a two-wheeler waiting at a red light at Maddilapalem Junction, killing Jogeswara Rao of Allipuram. Earlier that day, a two-wheeler struck a woman crossing the road at Aganampudi Junction, killing both instantly.

On November 6, a pedestrian crossing BRTS Road near Arilova Pineapple Colony was hit by a speeding vehicle. Hours later, a car racing from the sand dunes hit a divider at Maddilapalem Automotive, killing one person. Officials say these incidents highlight poor enforcement and reckless driving.

“Traffic personnel seem to have disappeared from busy junctions,” said retired transport officer S. Prasad. “When people don’t see police around, they stop following rules. Cameras alone can’t control a city this size — you need officers on the ground.”

Accident data tell a similar story. The city recorded 1,353 accidents and 358 deaths in 2022, 1,180 accidents and 336 deaths in 2023, and 1,106 accidents with 317 deaths last year. By the end of October 2025, 1,045 accidents had already claimed 274 lives and injured 564 people — including 15 deaths in the last week alone.

Residents say the system has grown detached from ground realities. “You’ll find officers parked under trees on their phones while traffic piles up nearby,” said social activist Meena Raju. “We need consistent patrolling and proper signals, not just challans from behind desks.”

A senior police officer admitted that manpower shortage remains a serious problem. “We’re aware of the rising numbers,” the officer said. “Steps are being taken to increase deployment and monitor accident-prone areas. But road safety also depends on public discipline.”

Despite repeated appeals from citizens and experts, little has changed on the ground. Many argue that visible policing and stricter enforcement could prevent most fatalities. As the city continues to grow, residents say what Visakhapatnam needs most is not more challans — but safer roads and accountability.