Cashless Treatment for Accident Victims Expanded, Faster Ambulance Response Planned

New Delhi, Dec 2025: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has expanded a nationwide cashless treatment programme for road accident victims, aiming to ensure immediate medical care without financial hurdles.

Under the scheme, accident victims will receive cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per person per accident for the first seven days of hospitalisation. Payments will be managed by the government, removing the need for upfront expenditure during emergencies. Earlier launched on a pilot basis, the scheme has now been rolled out across the country with support from state governments.

Replying to a question in the House, the minister also announced that the government is developing a framework to enable specialised ambulances to reach accident sites within ten minutes. A centralised emergency helpline is being planned, along with an upgraded ambulance network designed to dramatically reduce response times. Through agreements with states, modern ambulances equipped with advanced tools will be deployed, particularly in high-accident zones.

Gadkari said the ambulances will include specialised rescue tools to respond effectively to accidents in difficult terrain, such as gorges, where conventional paramedic teams face limitations. The Centre will reimburse states for such ambulances, provided they meet the ten-minute arrival target.

The minister highlighted the ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme, launched in 2025, which recognises Good Samaritans who take accident victims to hospitals. Those honoured as ‘Rahaveers’ will receive a cash reward of Rs 25,000, up from the earlier amount of Rs 5,000. The initiative is intended to encourage public assistance during the critical “golden hour” following an accident, improving survival rates.

Gadkari cited a study by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), noting that timely medical intervention could save nearly 50,000 lives annually in India. Calling road safety a “very serious issue”, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the global target of cutting road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by 2030, in line with the Stockholm Declaration.

The minister also pointed to additional measures underway to improve safety, including stricter vehicle standards, star ratings for vehicles, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and ensuring contractors are held accountable for the quality and safety of road construction.

By expanding treatment access, reducing response times, and encouraging citizen involvement, the government aims to build a stronger and more responsive emergency care system across the country.