Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday announced an increase in the government’s incentive for individuals assisting road accident victims from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000. Speaking at a road safety program at Vanamati Hall in Nagpur, Gadkari emphasized the life-saving importance of assistance during the ‘Golden Hour’ after an accident.
Addressing the gathering alongside actor Anupam Kher, Gadkari stated that individuals aiding accident victims would not face police or transport department inquiries but would instead be rewarded under the ‘Good Samaritan Act,’ passed by Parliament.
Gadkari urged social workers and NGOs to actively promote road safety awareness and commended individuals like Raju Mankar and Chandrashekhar Mohite for their contributions. He highlighted alarming statistics, including the deaths of 10,000 students annually due to faulty traffic systems and 30,000 fatalities linked to helmet non-usage.
He also cited Ajni in Nagpur as a success story where road engineering improvements have eliminated accidents over the past 25 years. Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harsh Potdar and the organization Roadmark were praised for reducing highway accidents in the region by 48%.
The event included discussions with students and was attended by traffic police and social organization representatives.