March 3, New Delhi: In an effort to reduce the rising number of road fatalities in India, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced the nationwide expansion of a cashless treatment scheme for road accident survivors. The initiative, which is currently being tested in select states, will be implemented across the country by March 2025.
Under this scheme, accident victims will receive cashless medical treatment for up to ₹1.5 lakh for a duration of seven days, provided the accident is reported to the police within 24 hours. The government will bear the entire cost of the treatment, ensuring timely medical intervention during the critical golden hour after an accident.
Pilot Project and Impact
The pilot phase of this initiative has already been launched in Assam, Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, and Haryana. So far, the scheme has benefitted 6,840 accident survivors. Gadkari expressed confidence that once fully implemented, the scheme could help save up to 50,000 lives annually.
Tech-Based Safety Measures for Trucks and Buses
Alongside the cashless treatment scheme, the government is also set to introduce three new technology-driven safety features in new buses and trucks. One of the key features will be an audio warning system, designed to alert drivers when they begin to fall asleep at the wheel.
Gadkari referred to a ministry report which highlighted that in 2022 alone, over 33,000 deaths were caused by trucks colliding with other vehicles. These safety measures aim to prevent drowsy driving accidents and improve overall road safety.
Rising Road Fatalities in India
Despite various road safety initiatives, India recorded 1.72 lakh road fatalities in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase from the previous year. The government is actively working on multiple strategies, including policy changes, improved enforcement, and technology integration, to tackle this growing concern.
The cashless treatment initiative and the mandatory safety features for heavy vehicles are part of the government’s broader vision to make Indian roads safer and reduce the alarming number of fatalities each year.
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