Delhi: The central government has introduced a new scheme to provide free treatment for road accident victims, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced. In cases where victims lose their lives, their families will receive ₹2 lakh as financial assistance. The government will cover the cost of treatment for up to seven days for patients admitted within 24 hours of the accident being reported to the police, with a maximum limit of ₹1.5 lakh. Additionally, ₹2 lakh will be provided for fatalities in hit-and-run cases.
To enhance road safety, the central minister also stated that new technology-based systems would be mandatory for buses and trucks. These include an audio warning system to alert drivers if they show signs of drowsiness, electronic stability control, and an automatic emergency braking system activated by poor steering control.
