In 2024, Visakhapatnam emerged as a model city in public safety, achieving notable reductions in road accidents and crime rates. Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi highlighted these advancements as a testament to enhanced policing strategies, community collaboration, and the integration of technology into law enforcement practices.

Road Safety Milestones
The city saw a 23% decrease in road accidents compared to 2023, with fatalities reduced by an impressive 54%. These improvements are credited to initiatives such as:
Traffic Infrastructure Enhancements: Installation of rumble strips at 99 major junctions and strategic placement of signage to ensure safer roads.
AI-driven Enforcement: Advanced systems for identifying traffic violations have streamlined fine collection processes.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Education efforts in schools and colleges have promoted road safety, boosting helmet compliance from 10% to over 50%.

Crime Rate Trends
Despite an increase in FIR registrations—largely tied to election-related incidents—the city recorded a decline in severe offenses. The use of CCTV technology enabled the resolution of over 200 cases in five months. However, areas like cybercrime saw challenges, with losses climbing to ₹115.4 crore in 2024 from ₹33.36 crore in 2023​.

Traffic Enforcement and Assistance
A dedicated Road Traffic Victim Assistance Cell was launched to support families affected by accidents, particularly those who lost their sole breadwinners. The cell offers 24/7 assistance through a dedicated helpline. Traffic enforcement led to 258 arrests for drunk driving, and fines for traffic violations amounted to ₹11 crore this year​.

Future Goals
Authorities remain committed to further reducing accidents and crime. Initiatives like collaborative efforts with NGOs and advanced surveillance technologies aim to sustain these positive trends, fostering a safer environment for Visakhapatnam’s residents.
These achievements underline the importance of community involvement and innovative law enforcement in creating a secure urban space.