The Tripura government is set to introduce a ‘Cashless Medical Scheme for Road Accident Victims 2025’, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury announced on Monday. The upcoming scheme is designed to provide free, immediate medical treatment to accident victims during the critical “golden hour”, a time window that experts say is crucial to saving lives. The announcement came during the 16th meeting of the State Road Safety Council, held at the State Secretariat in Agartala. “The goal is to make sure that the injured receive prompt treatment at the nearest hospital without worrying about the cost,” said Minister Chowdhury. He described the initiative as a step forward in the state’s mission to prioritise human life over procedural delays and financial constraints. The Minister confirmed that a preliminary implementation plan for the scheme was presented and discussed by the Transport Department during the meeting. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to not only treat accident victims with urgency but also to reduce the number of road accidents through public awareness and infrastructure improvement.
“Accidents and fatalities can be reduced through alertness and education,” Chowdhury stated. “Our department has been active in launching several related initiatives, from awareness campaigns to the deployment of emergency-response vehicles.”Among the key interventions already rolled out are the deployment of interceptor vehicles equipped with life support systems, aimed at providing immediate emergency assistance at accident sites. The government has also launched extensive public awareness drives on road safety to educate citizens about responsible driving practices. Additionally, the implementation of the Hit and Run Compensation Scheme ensures financial support for victims and their families in such unfortunate incidents.The Good Samaritan Scheme, encouraging bystanders to help accident victims without fear of legal complicationsChowdhury also noted a 13% decline in road accident cases across the state over the past year. He attributed this to a combination of government policies and active public participation, stressing that continued collaboration is essential.
During the meeting, Subrata Chowdhury, Additional Secretary of the Transport Department, shared a visual presentation on the proposed scheme and other state road safety measures. He highlighted how Tripura’s plan aligns with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ directive to reduce accidents and fatalities nationwide. Senior officials from various departments, including the state police and traffic enforcement wings, attended the meeting and shared their views on improving road safety. Many emphasised the need for inter-departmental coordination and better public engagement in enforcing traffic norms.
