Drivers, commuters welcome cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims

The scheme covers treatment costs up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days following an accident, provided a police report is filed within 24 hours.
| Photo Credit: Photo for representation only

Cab drivers and commuters in Karnataka have expressed support for the Central Government’s new cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims, which was announced by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on January 7. The scheme covers treatment costs up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days following an accident, provided a police report is filed within 24 hours.

Mr Gadkari had said, “The scheme will be applicable to all road accidents caused by the use of motor vehicles on any category of road.”

The initiative is designed to ensure timely medical care for accident victims, especially during the crucial golden hour.

The National Health Authority (NHA) will implement the programme in collaboration with police, hospitals, and the State Health Agency. An IT platform combining the functionalities of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ e-Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) application and the Transaction Management System of the NHA will facilitate the scheme.

Cab drivers see relief in emergencies

Manjunath S., a cab driver from Banaswadi in Bengaluru, said, “This scheme is a big relief for us. As drivers, we are constantly on the road, and more exposed to accidents. Knowing that medical costs will be covered gives us some peace of mind.”

However, another driver, Ramesh P.M. from Jalahalli, noted that while the initiative is commendable, the ₹1.5 lakh treatment cap is insufficient given the high cost of medical care today. “Road accident victims often suffer severe injuries, and the covered amount should be increased to reflect actual expenses. The idea is good, but the government must ensure that hospitals and authorities are efficient. Delays in filing police reports or accessing funds could undermine the scheme’s purpose,” he said.

Commuters have also lauded the scheme.

Shweta Rao, a frequent traveller between Bengaluru and Hassan, said, “Many lives are lost due to delay in getting medical help after accidents. This initiative can save lives if executed well. This initiative should be implemented properly so that everyone will be benefiting from the initiative.”

Transport association applauds government’s effort

The Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association (KSTOA) president Radhakrishna Holla called the scheme a ‘game-changer’ for the transport sector. “Our drivers face immense risks every day, especially on highways. The cashless treatment programme is a step towards protecting their lives. We hope the government implements measures to educate drivers and commuters about the process, ensuring the scheme is easily accessible during emergency situations.”

The programme builds on a pilot launched in Chandigarh earlier this year, aimed at creating an ecosystem for providing timely care to accident victims. The pilot project was later expanded to Assam, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Puducherry.

The Bengaluru city police recorded a total of 4,784 road accident cases in 2024, resulting in 893 fatalities and 4,052 injuries. According to statistics released by the traffic police, this marks a 3.9% decline in the number of accidents compared to the previous year.

Data provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reveals that Karnataka has reported 1,42,770 road accidents since the implementation of the Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD) system in 2021, up until December 9, 2024.