In a bid to significantly improve emergency response to road accidents, the Centre is working on a plan to ensure that specialised ambulances reach accident sites within 10 minutes, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Addressing the Upper House, Gadkari said the government is developing a model centred on a centralised emergency helpline integrated with upgraded ambulance services. Under this framework, modern ambulances will be deployed through agreements with state governments to reduce response times, with a target of reaching accident locations within 10 minutes in key areas.
He said these specialised ambulances will be equipped with advanced rescue equipment, especially for incidents involving vehicles plunging into gorges — situations where paramedical staff often lack the tools required for effective rescue. The Centre will sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with states for deploying such ambulances and will reimburse expenses, provided the vehicles reach accident sites within the stipulated 10-minute window.
Insurance relief for accident victims
In a major relief for road accident victims, Gadkari said the Centre has expanded a cashless treatment scheme, under which victims are entitled to medical care of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per person per accident for the first seven days of hospitalisation.
Replying to a question, the minister said the government will directly facilitate payments to hospitals to ensure that accident victims receive immediate treatment without facing financial constraints. The scheme, earlier implemented on a pilot basis in select regions, has now been rolled out nationwide with the cooperation of state governments.
Highlighting measures to encourage public participation, Gadkari said that under the ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme, launched earlier this year, good Samaritans who take accident victims to hospitals will be honoured with the title ‘Rahaveer’ and awarded a cash incentive of Rs 25,000, increased from the earlier Rs 5,000. The initiative aims to promote bystander assistance during the critical golden hour following accidents.
50,000 lives can be saved annually: IMA study
Citing a study by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the minister said timely medical intervention could prevent nearly 50,000 road accident deaths every year in India. To address delays in emergency care — a major factor contributing to fatalities — the government is strengthening existing schemes to ensure immediate treatment.
Describing road safety as a “very serious issue,” Gadkari reaffirmed India’s commitment to the global goal of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by 2030, in line with the Stockholm Declaration. He added that additional measures include stricter vehicle safety norms such as star ratings, enhanced enforcement, and greater accountability for contractors responsible for road quality.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com