Kolkata Emerges Safest Metro for Speed Compliance

• Kolkata records the highest over-speeding score of 97 among Indian metros, highlighting disciplined driving behaviour despite dense urban traffic
• Analysis of 4.5 million trips, 55 million kilometres across 17 states and over 27 thousand users highlights the need for behaviour-led interventions
• Behavioural factors account for over 80% of road accidents in India 

Zuno General Insurance, A modersn and innovative digital insurance provider has recently published the India Road Safety Report (IRSR) 2026. This report reveals that Kolkata exhibited the best speed discipline among all the metropolitan areas examined, attending the highest over-speeding score of 97 and an overall composite SmartDrive score of 93.

As per the report derived from the analysis of more than 4.5 million trips, 55 million kilometers of driving behaviour, and data from over 27 thousand active users of the Zuno Smart Drive app across 19 states, Kolkata's disciplined driving behavior shows that it is possible to maintain safer driving practices even in the midst of dense urban traffic situations.

The report, based on smartphone-based telematics technology, evaluates real-world driving behavior across over-speeding, sudden braking, harsh acceleration, cornering and distracted driving. The findings reinforce the broader insight that driving patterns offer a better understanding of road risk than demographic characteristics and highlight the need for behaviour-led interventions to improve road safety outcomes across India.

Key Findings from the India Road Safety Report 2026:

●   Kolkata recorded the highest over-speeding score of 97 among all metros analysed while achieving a composite SmartDrive score of 93, highlighting strong speed discipline despite dense urban traffic.

●     Driving scores remain stable through most of the day before declining sharply after 8 PM.

●     The riskiest driving hour is 9 PM–10 PM (score: 86), while 1 PM–2 PM (score: 93) is the safest.

● Sudden braking (87) and harsh acceleration (91) emerged as the weakest behavioural parameters among Indian motorists.

●     Seasonal conditions had a limited impact on driving behaviour, with average scores remaining largely consistent across summer, monsoon and winter.

According to the report, behavioural factors account for more than 80% of road accidents in India, underlining the importance of addressing speeding, distraction and unsafe manoeuvres through a combination of awareness, enforcement and technology-led interventions.

Commenting on the report, Shanai Ghosh, MD and CEO, Zuno General Insurance, said, "Road safety remains one of India's most important public challenges, impacting lives, livelihoods and economic productivity. Through Zuno SmartDrive, we have had a front-row view of driving behaviour across millions of journeys, and one insight stands out clearly: road accidents are often driven by identifiable and measurable behavioural patterns. The India Road Safety Report 2026 highlights how data, driving patterns and technology can complement infrastructure, enforcement and vehicle safety measures to build safer roads. As India works towards its road safety goals, creating greater awareness of driving behaviour and encouraging safer habits can play an important role in reducing fatalities and improving outcomes. 

"India records around 1.73 lakh road fatalities annually, accounting for nearly 11% of global road deaths, while road accidents impose an economic burden estimated at 3–5% of GDP. Nearly two-thirds of fatalities occur among people aged 18–45 years. Two-wheeler riders account for 44% of all road deaths, while pedestrians account for nearly 19% of fatalities, highlighting the disproportionate impact on vulnerable road users.

As India works towards its commitment under the Stockholm Declaration to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030, the report highlights the need for coordinated action across infrastructure, enforcement and behavioural interventions.

About Zuno General Insurance:

Zuno General Insurance, formerly known as Edelweiss General Insurance, is a new-age digital insurer with an aspiration to reimagine Insurance to make it easy, friendly, and transparent. Amidst all the jargon and seriousness, Zuno is the friendly voice speaking in a language you understand, and listening to what you have to say, stepping in at the right time, so that you don’t have to worry when things don’t go as planned. Zuno is the friend you can always turn to for help, with the confidence that we will always have your back.

At Zuno GI, the focus is on building trust through digital solutions that are intuitive and responsive, using consumer insights and data analytics to drive innovation and experience. Our consumer insight driven strategy focused on customers’ experience; innovative solutions and an intuitive digital platform differentiate us in a competitive market.

Zuno GI started operations in 2018. We have over 9 million customers and a growing omnichannel distribution on digital rails. The company has presence across key digital marketing places and partnerships with Maruti, Tata Motors, Mahindra, Skoda, MG, Volkswagen, Jeep, Royal Enfield, PolicyBazaar, Turtlemint, PhonePe, Paytm, Insurance Dekho, Fedbank Financial Services, Dvara KGFS, Repco Home Finance, MAS financial Services, Renewbuy, Anand Rathi Global Finance, Avanse Financial Services, Spinny, Nido Home Finance, ECL finance, Gujarat Ambija Co-op Bank, Sarvodaya Nagarik Sahakari bank, Mehsana Urban Co-Operative Bank,  Jio insurance brokers, Coverfox, Maibro, ORIX leasing & financial Services India Ltd, SMAS auto leasing India Pvt Ltd.s