Background In Delhi, road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a leading cause of premature death. The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi has collaborated with the Government of Delhi and Vital Strategies to implement interventions to reduce RTI-related fatalities. Reliable surveillance data is essential for planning and evaluation, but the potential under-reporting of RTI cases in India is a concern.

Objective We aim to improve understanding of RTIs in Delhi by collecting and linking data from trauma centres and police records. The study describes socio-demographic and road user characteristics of victims, their injuries, outcomes and reporting, and assesses the feasibility of integrating multiple data sources for surveillance.

Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study addresses retrospectively collected hospital and police records. Case records will be linked and the capture-recapture estimation method will be applied to estimate potential underreporting. Records from patients presenting with RTI from July 1 to Dec 31, 2022 at six trauma centres in Delhi are being collected. We present results for two large trauma centres for the month of July.

Results Among 175 RTI cases admitted to the two hospitals over a one-month period, 74% were from crashes occurring in Delhi. Among these, 87% were males aged 21 to 35 years. The road user type was known for only 30% and the mode of arrival for 60% of cases. Among cases where the mode of arrival was known, only 22% used an ambulance. The neurosurgery and orthopaedic departments managed 92% of cases, 50% of cases involved head injuries, and 5% of admissions resulted in death. Only 25% of cases could be matched to police records. Among matched cases, 44% of victims were pedestrians and 25% were motorcyclists.

Conclusion Road safety interventions require reliable data on burden and risk distribution. This study aims to improve RTI surveillance by integrating multiple data sources, providing a foundation for evidence-based interventions and policy changes. The findings will inform stakeholders in Delhi and beyond, helping them to develop effective road injury prevention strategies.