4 min readNoidaNov 6, 2023 10:35 AM IST
First published on: Nov 6, 2023 at 06:23 AM IST
The number of cases of road accidents on Yamuna Expressway has increased this year compared to 2022 even as there has been a dip in the number of fatalities in these accident cases.
According to data accessed by The Indian Express, a total of 341 cases of accidents have been reported till October this year. Thus, on an average, more than 34 accidents have taken place every month on Yamuna Expressway this year. In 2022, 310 accidents had taken place on Yamuna Expressway, which connects Greater Noida with Agra, according to YEIDA data.
Meanwhile, the number of fatal casualties in accidents has seen a decrease. Till October this year, a total of 80 people were reported dead in accidents on Yamuna Expressway. Thus, on an average, eight persons succumbed to injuries sustained in accidents on Yamuna Expressway this year. In comparison, a total of 105 people died in such accidents in 2022; 91 of these deaths took place until October, putting the monthly average last year at 9.1.
In terms of injuries, till October this year, a total of 596 persons – with a monthly average of 60 — have been hurt in accidents on the expressway. This year, a total of 675 persons were injured in road accidents on Yamuna Expressway.
According to data, since 2016, the number of accident cases has decreased with each year.
However, in 2023, for the first time in eight years, accident cases have registered an increase in comparison to the preceding year.
This year, maximum number of accidents — 51 — were reported in the month of June while July was the most fatal month with 14 people dying in Expressway-related accidents. Last year, in the month of June, 113 people were injured in accidents on Yamuna Expressway.
Most recently, a massive road accident took place in Rabupura Police Station area of Greater Noida last month, once again raising questions about the safety on the thoroughfare. On October 21, eight people, including four minors, from a family died after their car was allegedly hit by an unidentified vehicle. Originally from Palamu district in Jharkhand, the deceased persons were residents of JJ Colony Phase 3 Madanpur Khadar of Kalindi Kunj police station area in New Delhi. Police are yet to establish how the accident took place; no arrests have been made in the case yet.
Officials said the accident took place at the 25th kilometre from the zero point. The nearest cameras from the spot are at 19th kilometre, and 38th kilometre.
“The car was going at a speed of 119 km/hr. There is no camera and even proper lights at the spot where this accident took place. We are investigating the matter but till date have not been able to collect any significant evidence. We looked at vehicles passing through the camera of 19th km and 38th km, but could not find anything. We are questioning different people and hope that we will find something soon,” said an official involved in the investigation.
Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), which maintains the expressway, said officials have ordered an increase in the number of cameras.
“Currently, a total of 64 cameras are installed at the Yamuna Expressway. We have ordered installation of 120 more cameras at different locations. The new cameras will be installed by March 31. This is in line with the recommendation of IIT Roorkee, which had submitted a report after a detailed study on the safety of the expressway,” said Dr Arun Vir Singh, CEO of YEIDA.
He further said that a fresh study will be commissioned soon to see if more lights are required to be installed at the expressway. “We have achieved success in reducing deaths in the last few years. However, it needs to be reduced further. The recent incident (On October 21) was very heartbreaking,” added Singh.
On an average, more than 34 accidents have taken place every month on the Expressway. (Express File Photo) 
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