NEW DELHI: Nitin Gadkari, Union Road Transport Minister expressed his dismay over the rising road accident fatalities in India, admitting that he feels embarrassed at international forums when road safety is discussed. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Gadkari acknowledged that despite efforts, his ministry has failed to achieve its goal of reducing road accidents and fatalities by 50%. Instead, the numbers have worsened, with road crashes claiming a staggering 1,72,289 lives in 2023.
On December 12, 2024 the Minister of Road Transport informed Parliament about a new initiative by the Transport Ministry, which is being implemented on a pilot basis in Chandigarh and Assam. The program aims to provide cashless treatment to victims of road accidents.
The minister explained that the scheme covers medical care for individuals involved in motor vehicle-related road accidents, irrespective of the type of road where the incident occurs. This initiative is being carried out in partnership with the National Health Authority (NHA). “Under this scheme, eligible victims receive trauma and polytrauma care through Health Benefits Packages offered at empanelled hospitals under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The coverage includes treatment costs of up to ₹1.5 lakh for a maximum duration of seven days from the date of the accident,” the minister said in a written response to the Lok Sabha.
The scheme operates under the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, established in accordance with Section 164 B of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Details regarding the sources of income and the utilization of the fund are outlined in the Central Motor Vehicles (Motor Vehicle Accident Fund) Rules, 2022.
In a candid statement, Gadkari said, “I have no hesitation in admitting that instead of reducing accidents, the numbers have increased. When I attend international conferences where road safety is discussed, I feel compelled to hide my face due to our poor track record.”
He further highlighted India’s alarming position as the country with the highest number of road crashes and fatalities. Reflecting on his earlier commitment, Gadkari remarked, “I had promised that by the end of 2024, we would achieve a 50% reduction in accidents and fatalities. Unfortunately, we have failed in this endeavor, and the numbers have risen instead.”
The situation prompted Speaker Om Birla to urge all members of Parliament to actively contribute to improving road safety and reducing fatalities across the nation.
Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that, as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, a pilot program has been launched to provide cashless treatment to victims of road accidents involving motor vehicles, regardless of the location of the incident. The initiative aims to reduce fatalities caused by road accidents and ensure improved medical care for accident victims.
Source of Information : https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/roads-highways/road-accident-victims-to-get-free-cashless-treatment-nitin-gadkari/112197875
