Punjab Achieves Remarkable 48% Reduction in Road Accident Fatalities Following Sadak Surakhya Force Implementation
In a significant development for road safety, Punjab has witnessed a dramatic 48% decline in road accident deaths following the establishment 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 Emergency Response and Saving Lives
The Chief Minister emphasized that the remarkable improvement stems directly from the force's implementation of faster emergency response protocols, immediate first aid administration, and timely hospital treatment for accident victims. This comprehensive approach has fundamentally changed Punjab's road safety landscape, moving the state away from its unfortunate position as one of the country's worst performers in accident casualties.
National Recognition and Replication Interest
Mann revealed that several other Indian states have approached the Punjab government seeking to replicate the successful Sadak Surakhya Force model. The initiative has gained national attention, with the Prime Minister even referencing road safety improvements during a recent Mann Ki Baat address. "By creating the Sadak Surakhya Force, Punjab has shown the country a new path," the Chief Minister stated proudly.
Operational Structure and Deployment Strategy
The backbone of this transformative initiative consists of:
- 1,597 specially trained personnel freshly recruited for the force
- 144 fully equipped emergency vehicles deployed across strategic locations
- Patrolling coverage along 4,200 kilometers of accident-prone highways
Since its launch in February last year, the force has not only reduced fatalities but also ensured the safe return of valuables and cash belonging to accident victims, adding an important dimension to their service.
Infrastructure Improvements and Deterrent Effect
Beyond emergency response, the force serves as a powerful deterrent against traffic violations through regular patrolling. Mann contrasted this proactive approach with previous administrations that he said failed to address road safety with adequate seriousness.
The Chief Minister highlighted specific infrastructure achievements, including the complete transformation of the Patiala-Sirhind road—once notorious as a 'killer road' with nearly three daily deaths on average. Additionally, the state government is constructing 43,000 kilometers of high-quality roads across Punjab to better connect villages with major highways.
Comprehensive Impact on Public Safety
With accident victims now receiving immediate first aid and proper medical treatment within critical timeframes, lives are being saved consistently across the state. The Sadak Surakhya Force represents a holistic approach to road safety that combines:
- Rapid emergency response capabilities
- Specialized personnel training
- Strategic infrastructure development
- Continuous highway monitoring
This multi-faceted strategy has positioned Punjab as a national leader in road safety innovation, with tangible results demonstrating how coordinated government action can significantly reduce preventable deaths on highways and roads.
