Punjab's Road Safety Revolution: 48% Drop in Fatalities Sparks National Interest
In a significant development for public safety, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann revealed on Sunday that the state has achieved a remarkable 48% reduction in road accident fatalities following the establishment of the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF). This groundbreaking initiative has not only transformed Punjab's highways but has also captured the attention of several other Indian states eager to implement similar measures.
From Top Performer in Accidents to National Safety Model
Chief Minister Mann highlighted Punjab's dramatic turnaround, stating, "Once counted among the top three states in the country for road accident fatalities, Punjab has significantly reversed this troubling trend." He attributed this success to multiple factors working in harmony:
- Faster emergency response times
- Immediate first aid administration at accident sites
- Improved hospital treatment protocols
- Enhanced trauma care facilities
The CM emphasized that these coordinated efforts have directly resulted in more lives being saved across the state's road network.
The Sadak Surakhya Force: Punjab's Safety Backbone
At the heart of this transformation lies the specially created Sadak Surakhya Force, which began operations in February of last year. This dedicated safety unit comprises:
- 1,597 specially trained personnel recruited specifically for this initiative
- 144 fully equipped vehicles deployed strategically across accident-prone areas
- Patrol coverage along 4,200 kilometers of high-risk highways
Mann explained that beyond their primary rescue functions, "the SSF also acts as a strong deterrent against traffic violations," creating a comprehensive safety ecosystem that previous administrations had neglected.
Transforming 'Killer Roads' into Safe Passages
One of the most dramatic success stories involves the notorious Patiala-Sirhind highway, previously dubbed a "killer road" due to an average of three daily fatalities. Mann proudly announced that this dangerous stretch has been transformed into a significantly safer passage thanks to SSF interventions.
The force's impact extends beyond accident response, having facilitated:
- The safe return of valuables and money belonging to accident victims
- Support for the construction of 43,000 kilometers of high-quality roads across Punjab
- Systematic monitoring of previously hazardous road sections
National Recognition and Replication Interest
The Punjab model has gained substantial national visibility, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi referencing the initiative in his Mann Ki Baat radio program as a potential roadmap for the entire nation. According to Chief Minister Mann, "Several other states have contacted the Punjab government to implement this unique public safety initiative in their own regions."
He contrasted this achievement with past neglect, noting that previous governments had paid insufficient attention to these critical public safety concerns, which had kept Punjab among the country's worst performers in road accident statistics for years.
"Today, accident victims are receiving immediate first aid and proper treatment in hospitals," Mann asserted, highlighting the human impact of these systemic improvements. The combination of specialized personnel, equipped vehicles, and strategic deployment has created what many are calling a replicable blueprint for road safety enhancement across India.
