Union Minister Nitin Gadkari unveils the ‘Cashless Treatment’ scheme, providing up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days of medical expenses for road accident victims if reported to the police within 24 hours. Families of hit-and-run victims will receive ₹2 lakh. The initiative emphasizes road safety amid alarming statistics of 1.80 lakh road accident deaths in 2024.
Highlights of the ‘Cashless Treatment’ Scheme
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the launch of a comprehensive “Cashless Treatment” scheme for road accident victims.
- Coverage Details: The scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days of treatment if the accident is reported to the police within 24 hours.
- Hit-and-Run Cases: Families of victims who succumb to hit-and-run accidents will receive ₹2 lakh as ex-gratia compensation.
“Our goal is to provide immediate relief to accident victims and their families while addressing the broader issue of road safety,” Gadkari stated.
India’s Alarming Road Safety Statistics
Gadkari emphasized the urgent need for road safety reforms, citing troubling data:
- Total Fatalities in 2024: Approximately 1.80 lakh road accident deaths occurred.
- Helmet-Related Fatalities: 30,000 deaths were attributed to the absence of helmets.
- Young Lives Lost: 66% of accident victims were aged between 18 and 34.
- Children’s Safety: 10,000 children lost their lives due to unsafe entry and exit points near educational institutions.
Steps Toward Safer Roads
During a meeting with state and union territory transport ministers at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi, Gadkari discussed collaborative strategies for reducing road accidents.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Black spots on highways have been identified for corrective measures.
- School Zone Safety: Regulations are being enforced for autorickshaws and minibuses used for school transportation.
- Educational Institution Safety: Gadkari highlighted the need for improved entry and exit points near schools and colleges to prevent accidents.
Road Safety: A National Priority
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to tackling India’s road safety crisis. By combining immediate relief measures with long-term infrastructure and regulatory reforms, the scheme aims to reduce fatalities and create safer roads for all citizens.
The Cashless Treatment scheme is a step forward in saving lives and fostering a culture of road safety across the nation.
