Punjab News: Punjab Launches India's First 'Sadak Suraksha Force,' Achieves Significant Reduction in Highway Fatalities

Punjab News: Punjab has become the first state in India to establish a dedicated highway safety force, the 'Sadak Suraksha Force' (SSF), aimed at safeguarding the lives of its citizens on the roads. Launched in January 2024 under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the SSF has already proven effective, achieving a 45.55% reduction in road accident fatalities across the state’s highways within just eight months.

SSF’s Mission: Rapid Response and Increased Road Safety

The SSF was developed with a mission to provide prompt response and increased safety on Punjab’s 5,500-kilometer road network, including both national and state highways. The force’s charter includes duties such as acting as the first responders at accident scenes to minimize response times and ensure rapid medical assistance. According to data from Punjab Police Headquarters, SSF has attended to and rescued 17,469 road accident victims since its launch, with an impressive average response time of just 6 minutes and 41 seconds. This achievement surpasses emergency response times in many developed nations, where rural areas typically see response times of 8-12 minutes.

Deployment and Resources: Ensuring Extensive Coverage

With 129 high-end Toyota Hilux vehicles, the SSF operates in teams that cover every 30 kilometers along Punjab’s highways. The force, consisting of 1,600 personnel, is strategically deployed to ensure quick accessibility across the extensive road network, setting a global benchmark in road safety response.

Impact of SSF: Remarkable Drop in Fatalities

The data from February to October 2024 reveals the impact of SSF’s deployment. The number of deaths due to road accidents dropped from 1,686 in the same period in 2023 to 918 in 2024. October 2024 alone saw fatalities drop to 124 compared to 232 in October 2023, highlighting SSF’s substantial role in enhancing road safety.

'Platinum 10 Minutes' Principle: Saving Lives in Critical Moments

SSF operates under the 'Platinum 10 Minutes' principle, focusing on rapid intervention within the first ten minutes following an accident. This critical period is crucial in stabilizing victims and providing life-saving medical aid, underscoring SSF’s commitment to saving lives.

A National Model for Road Safety

Launched at the Punjab Armed Police headquarters in Jalandhar on January 26, 2024, the SSF is a unique initiative by CM Bhagwant Mann and serves as a model for other states. With a vision to further reduce accident rates, the SSF’s second phase will emphasize preventive measures alongside rapid response.

The success of the SSF marks a groundbreaking step in road safety and accident prevention, making Punjab a leading example in highway safety management across the country.

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