Thu Jan 08 15:38:57 UTC 2026: # Modi Government to Launch Nationwide Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims

The Story:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a nationwide cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims, offering coverage up to ₹1.5 lakh and a cash award of ₹25,000 for Good Samaritans. The initiative aims to reduce road fatalities by providing timely medical intervention within the critical “Golden Hour” following an accident. The scheme will be funded through third-party insurance and the Road Safety Fund.

Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced this during a two-day conference of Transport Ministers, Secretaries and Commissioners of all States and Union Territories. The government also intends to amend the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, incorporating recommendations from states to improve road safety, simplify regulations, enhance citizen services, improve mobility, regulate emissions, and align with global standards.

Key Points:
* Nationwide cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims to be launched by Prime Minister Modi.
* Coverage of up to ₹1.5 lakh for accident victims.
* Cash award of ₹25,000 for Good Samaritans (termed “rahavir”) who assist victims.
* Scheme covers road accidents across the country, not just national highways.
* Funding will be provided through third-party insurance and the Road Safety Fund.
* Amendments planned for the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, based on state recommendations.
* A pilot program had been successfully carried out in Assam, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Puducherry.

Key Takeaways:
* The government is prioritizing road safety and aiming to reduce road accident fatalities significantly.
* The scheme incentivizes public participation in assisting accident victims.
* The planned amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act signal a comprehensive overhaul of road transport regulations.
* The initiative highlights the government’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare in emergency situations.

Impact Analysis:
The launch of the nationwide cashless treatment scheme and the amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act have the potential for long-term impact:

  • Reduced Road Fatalities: The timely medical intervention facilitated by the scheme could significantly decrease road accident fatalities, aligning with the AIIMS study cited by Gadkari.
  • Improved Healthcare Access: The scheme ensures immediate medical assistance for accident victims, regardless of their financial status, thus promoting equitable healthcare access.
  • Enhanced Public Safety Awareness: The cash reward for Good Samaritans encourages public involvement and fosters a culture of responsibility and assistance during emergencies.
  • Modernized Road Transport Infrastructure: The amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act can streamline regulations, improve citizen services, and enhance road safety standards, contributing to a more efficient and safer road transport system. The harmonization with global standards suggests a long-term vision for integrating India’s transport sector with international best practices.

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