Punjab Achieves Remarkable 48% Reduction in Road Accident Fatalities Through Sadak Surakhya Force
In a significant development for road safety, Punjab has witnessed a dramatic 48% decline in road accident deaths following the implementation of the Sadak Surakhya Force, according to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The announcement made on Sunday highlights a major turnaround for a state that previously ranked among India's top three for road accident fatalities.
Transforming Punjab's Road Safety Landscape
The Sadak Surakhya Force, launched in February last year, has fundamentally changed how Punjab approaches road safety. Comprising 1,597 specially trained personnel equipped with 144 fully operational vehicles, this dedicated force has been strategically deployed across 4,200 kilometers of accident-prone highways throughout the state.
Chief Minister Mann emphasized that the force's success stems from multiple coordinated approaches including faster emergency response times, immediate first aid administration, and timely hospital treatment for accident victims. Beyond accident response, the force also serves as a visible deterrent against traffic violations through regular patrolling activities.
National Recognition and Replication Interest
The model has gained such prominence that several other Indian states have approached the Punjab government seeking to implement similar road safety initiatives. "By creating the Sadak Surakhya Force, Punjab has shown the country a new path," stated Chief Minister Mann, noting that even the Prime Minister referenced this initiative during a Mann Ki Baat address.
This marks a substantial shift from previous administrations that, according to Mann, failed to address road safety with adequate seriousness, resulting in Punjab's poor performance in accident casualty statistics for years.
Infrastructure Improvements and Victim Support
Beyond the force deployment, Punjab has implemented comprehensive infrastructure measures to enhance road safety. The Patiala-Sirhind stretch, once notoriously labeled as a 'killer road' with nearly three daily fatalities, has undergone complete transformation through these initiatives.
The state government is currently constructing 43,000 kilometers of high-quality roads across Punjab to better connect villages with major highways, creating safer travel corridors throughout the region.
An additional benefit of the Sadak Surakhya Force has been the secure recovery and return of valuables and cash belonging to accident victims, providing financial protection alongside medical assistance during traumatic incidents.
Life-Saving Impact Across Punjab
With accident victims now receiving immediate first aid and proper medical treatment through the force's rapid response system, lives are being saved across Punjab's road network. The 48% reduction in fatalities represents not just statistical improvement but tangible human impact, with families spared from tragic losses that were once commonplace on Punjab's roads.
This comprehensive approach combining specialized personnel, improved infrastructure, and systematic emergency response has positioned Punjab as a model state for road safety initiatives that other regions are now eager to emulate.
