Nagpur City Police’s special drive, ‘Operation U Turn’, launched on July 10 under the guidance of Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal and led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lohit Matani, has begun delivering promising results. Aimed at reducing road accidents and promoting disciplined driving, the campaign has already brought a sharp decline in fatalities and serious accidents across the city.
Fatalities Show Significant Drop:
A comparative analysis between January–August 2024 and the same period in 2025 reveals the impact. Fatal accidents fell from 253 to 195, while the number of deaths declined by 60 cases. Serious injuries also dropped from 436 to 417. Zones such as Sonegaon (-69%), Ajni (-40%), and Sakhardara (-39%) recorded some of the steepest reductions in road accident deaths.
Crackdown on Drunk and Rash Driving:
The campaign has particularly targeted drunk driving, with nakabandi operations held daily at 33 locations between 7 pm and 2 am. So far, 2,500 motorists have been booked and their vehicles seized, a jump from 1,143 cases in 2024 to 2,471 in 2025. The police have also intensified action against rash driving, booking over 60 offenders every day under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Action Against Minors and Illegal Vehicles:
Preventing underage driving has been another focus. Parents who allow minors to drive are being booked under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, with over 50 parents penalised since July.
Police have also taken action against illegally parked food trucks and modified vehicles, with 25 cases registered under MV Act provisions. Restrictions on private bus parking within the Inner Ring Road led to 45 buses booked and 90 fined, easing congestion on major routes.
Accident-Prone Zones and Parking Reforms:
To curb mishaps, accident-prone spots across Nagpur have been marked with zig-zag barricades, rumblers, blinkers, and warning boards. In partnership with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), parking and no-parking areas are being clearly demarcated, ensuring smoother traffic in commercial and residential areas.
Visible Policing, Safer Roads:
Police officials are required to remain visibly deployed at smart traffic booths, with disciplinary action taken for absences. This has enhanced public confidence in traffic enforcement.
With fewer accidents, reduced fatalities, and stricter action against violations, Operation U Turn is being hailed as a turning point for road safety in Nagpur. Police said the campaign will continue with greater momentum to instill a lasting culture of road discipline in the city.
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