New Initiatives Launched to Reduce Road Accident Fatalities in India
Government's New Measures to Combat Road Accidents
On June 8, Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, introduced two new initiatives aimed at decreasing the number of fatalities from road accidents in India. Among these measures is a financial incentive for citizens who are the first responders in emergencies. Gadkari explained that a committee led by a doctor from AIIMS reported that the country experiences approximately 180,000 deaths and 500,000 accidents annually. Notably, 30% of the victims could be saved if they are transported to hospitals promptly, translating to around 50,000 lives.
To encourage rapid assistance, the ministry has launched the 'Rahveer' initiative. Gadkari mentioned that individuals who help transport these 50,000 victims to hospitals could save lives; these lifesavers will be referred to as 'Rahveer' and will receive a reward of ₹25,000. Additionally, the government aims to eliminate financial barriers to emergency medical care. The minister further stated that regardless of the type of road—be it national, district, or municipal—and the hospital where the victim is admitted, the government will cover treatment costs for up to seven days, with a maximum reimbursement of ₹1.5 lakh.
Emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, Gadkari remarked, 'I believe these initiatives address a critical issue, as our country has the highest number of road accidents globally. If everyone collaborates, we can save countless lives.' He also highlighted the involvement of the private sector, noting that Rapid has pledged its support for this initiative. Separately, on June 6, the Ministry of Railways initiated a nationwide safety campaign following the discovery of a crack in a sleeper coach of the New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra special train in Ludhiana, ordering a comprehensive inspection of all coaches at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
The Ministry of Railways has instructed all zones to conduct thorough inspections, focusing on rust, corrosion, and structural weaknesses in critical areas. This inspection is expected to be completed within a week. Coaches with significant rust or structural damage will be removed from service to ensure passenger safety. Senior officials from the Railway Board headquarters, workshops, and divisions will oversee the monitoring inspections. Additionally, zonal railways have released an informative video on this topic.