India to launch cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims: How it will work

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a new scheme to provide cashless treatment for road accident victims. The initiative aims to cover medical expenses for up to seven days or a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh.

The scheme will launch nationwide by March 2025, following a successful pilot in states like Assam, Punjab, Haryana, and Puducherry.

How the scheme will work

Under the programme, accident victims can access cashless treatment within 24 hours of informing the police. In hit-and-run cases resulting in fatalities, the victim’s family will receive ₹2 lakh as compensation.

The government ensures swift approval of claims, reducing delays in medical care.

Focus on road safety

Gadkari highlighted road safety as a top priority. “In 2024, we recorded 1.8 lakh deaths due to road accidents, with 30,000 lives lost because of not wearing helmets,” he said.

The scheme is part of broader efforts to reduce fatalities and provide timely help to victims.

The minister

also pointed out alarming statistics:

• 66% of road accident deaths involve people aged 18-34.
• 10,000 children died due to inadequate safety measures near schools and colleges.

Safety measures for commercial vehicles

To prevent accidents, the government plans to mandate:

• Electronic stability control systems
• Emergency braking systems
• Driver drowsiness alert mechanisms

These measures will soon be mandatory for trucks and buses.

Additionally, the government will set up 1,250 Driver Training Institutes (DTIs) with an investment of ₹4,500 crore.

These centres will use automated test tracks and advanced technology like RFID systems.

Gadkari also urged states to scrap outdated vehicles, including buses.

“This scrapping policy will boost the automobile sector and promote a circular economy,” he said.

So far, 82 scrapping centres have been established, with plans to integrate them with fitness testing stations.

The government will introduce Bharat NCAP safety ratings for e-rickshaws. Gadkari assured that prices won’t increase, but safety standards will improve significantly.