Chandigarh, Jan 25 (NationPress) Punjab has seen a remarkable enhancement in road safety statistics following the establishment of the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF). The province has reported a 48% decline in road accident fatalities, achieved through a system emphasizing rapid emergency response, immediate first aid, and enhanced trauma care.

Once ranked among the top three states for road accident deaths, Punjab has dramatically altered this trajectory, with lives being saved thanks to quicker hospital admissions and improved treatment protocols.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized the significance of this initiative on Sunday, noting that the Sadak Surakhya Force has played a vital role in transforming notoriously dangerous routes like the Patiala-Sirhind ‘killer road’. The initiative has also supported the development of 43,000 km of high-quality roads, garnering interest from several other states and even receiving a mention from the Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat as a model for the nation.

CM Mann stated, “Punjab has achieved a 48% reduction in road accident deaths, prompting many other states to express interest in adopting this model.”

He mentioned that numerous states have reached out to the government to introduce this innovative public safety initiative in their regions.

CM Mann also noted, “The Prime Minister highlighted road safety in Mann Ki Baat, while Punjab has paved a new way for the entire country by establishing the Sadak Surakhya Force.”

The Chief Minister remarked, “A specially trained and newly recruited team of 1,597 personnel serves as the backbone of the SSF, equipped with 144 modern, fully equipped vehicles. Since its inception in February last year, this force has succeeded in reducing road accident fatalities by 48% while also ensuring the safe return of belongings and money to individuals injured in road accidents.”

“The force operates along 4,200 km of highways known for traffic accidents. In addition to patrolling their designated areas, the SSF acts as a strong deterrent against traffic violations. Previous administrations neglected such critical public safety issues, which previously placed Punjab among the top three states in terms of road accident casualties,” the Chief Minister asserted.

He added, “Today, accident victims receive immediate first aid and appropriate treatment in hospitals. The Patiala-Sirhind route, once infamous for claiming an average of three lives daily, has now become a safer passage.”

CM Mann concluded, “The government is in the process of constructing 43,000 km of high-quality roads throughout Punjab to connect villages with major highways.”