NewKerala.com

Punjab's Road Safety Force Cuts Accident Deaths by 48%, Says CM Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a 48% decline in road accident fatalities following the deployment of the Sadak Surakhya Force. The specialized force of over 1,500 personnel patrols accident-prone highways, providing swift emergency response and first aid. This initiative has transformed notorious stretches like the Patiala-Sirhind road and is part of a broader push to build 43,000 km of quality roads. The successful model has attracted interest from other states and was referenced by the Prime Minister.

Key Points: Punjab Road Deaths Drop 48% After Sadak Surakhya Force Launch

  • 48% drop in road deaths
  • 1,597 personnel in Sadak Surakhya Force
  • Patiala-Sirhind 'killer road' transformed
  • 43,000 km of new roads being built
  • Model praised in PM's Mann Ki Baat
3 min read

Punjab records improvement in road safety, says CM Mann

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann reports a 48% reduction in road fatalities due to the Sadak Surakhya Force, a model now drawing interest from other states.

"Punjab has witnessed a 48 per cent reduction in road accident deaths, due to which several other states are now eager to replicate this model. - CM Bhagwant Mann"

Chandigarh, Jan 25

Punjab has recorded an improvement in road safety outcomes after the constitution of the Sadak Surakhya Force, with road accident deaths declining by 48 per cent through a system focused on swift emergency response, immediate first aid and better trauma care.

Once counted among the top three states for road accident fatalities, Punjab has significantly reversed this trend, with lives now being saved due to faster hospitalisation and improved treatment protocols.

Highlighting the impact of this intervention, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday said the Sadak Surakhya Force has been central to transforming accident-prone stretches such as the Patiala-Sirhind 'killer road' and supporting the construction of 43,000 km of high-quality roads, adding the model has attracted interest from several other states and has even been referenced by the Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat as a roadmap for the nation.

CM Mann said, "Punjab has witnessed a 48 per cent reduction in road accident deaths, due to which several other states are now eager to replicate this model."

He said many states have contacted the government to implement this unique public safety initiative in their own regions.

CM Mann stated, "The Prime Minister spoke about road safety in Mann Ki Baat, but Punjab showed the entire country a new path by creating the Sadak Surakhya Force."

The Chief Minister said, "A specially trained, freshly recruited force of 1,597 personnel is acting as the backbone of the SSF and has been provided with 144 latest, fully equipped vehicles. Since its launch in February last year, this force has reduced road accident fatalities by 48 per cent, besides ensuring the safe return of valuables and money belonging to people injured in road accidents."

"The force has been deployed along 4,200 km of highways that are prone to traffic accidents. Apart from patrolling their assigned areas, the SSF also acts as a strong deterrent against traffic violations. None of the previous governments paid attention to such serious issues of public concern, due to which Punjab earlier figured among the top three states in road accident casualties," the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister asserted, "Today, accident victims are receiving immediate first aid and proper treatment in hospitals. The Patiala-Sirhind road, which was once known as a killer road with an average of three deaths every day, has now been transformed into a safer road."

CM Mann added, "The government is constructing 43,000 km of high-quality roads across Punjab to connect villages with main highways."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A 48% reduction is impressive, no doubt. But I hope this isn't just about statistics for one year. We need consistent results and transparency in the data. Also, what about improving driver training and public awareness? The force is good, but prevention is better.
R
Rohit P
Finally some action on road safety! Driving on Punjab's highways used to feel like a gamble. If other states are looking to copy this model, it means we're doing something right. Kudos to the team on the ground.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently for work between Chandigarh and Ludhiana, I have noticed more patrol vehicles on the highway recently. It does feel safer. The focus on immediate first aid is crucial—those golden minutes save lives.
V
Vikram M
Good initiative, but the CM shouldn't just blame previous governments. The real test is maintaining this force and its funding in the long run. Also, 43,000 km of new roads is a big claim—hope the quality is there and it doesn't just lead to more accidents due to speeding.
K
Kavya N
This is a relief for so many families. Losing a loved one on the road is devastating. If the SSF is ensuring safe return of valuables too, that's a thoughtful touch. More power to them! 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50