Punjab Government's SSF Saves 37,000 Lives, Reducing Road Accidents by 78%

Chandigarh, September 20, 2025: This is a story of Punjab's roads, where once fear and uncertainty reigned supreme. Every day, newspaper headlines would narrate the painful tales of road accidents. The rising number of accidents had become a matter of deep concern, with 15 to 16 precious lives lost daily. This statistic wasn't just a number; it represented broken dreams and grieving families. Sensing this pain, the Bhagwant Mann-led government in Punjab took a revolutionary step. They launched two major initiatives: the *Road Safety Force (SSF)* and the *'Farishatey' (Angels) Scheme*. These two schemes, working hand-in-hand, have committed to making Punjab's roads safer by approaching the problem with humanity and trust.

The Mann government made Punjab the first state in the country to form a dedicated force for road safety. Launched in 2024, the SSF's impact has been massive in less than a year. Today, SSF teams are deployed every 30 kilometers on Punjab's 4,100-kilometer-long roads. Equipped with 144 high-tech vehicles, these teams reach accident sites within 5 to 7 minutes. The 1,477-strong team's primary role is to prevent road accidents, but they also assist the police in combating drug trafficking and other crimes. The force is fully integrated with technology, utilizing speed guns, body cameras, e-challan systems, and AI to make policing smart and fast. In 2024, no child lost their life in a road accident while going to or returning from school in areas where the SSF was deployed. The SSF has saved approximately 37,110 lives so far, and there was a 45.55% reduction in road accidents from February to October 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This achievement is a testament to the Road Safety Force.

While the SSF prevents accidents, the 'Farishatey' (Angels) scheme, launched by the Punjab government in 2024, addresses the tragic aftermath. A painful sight on the roads was injured people lying helpless because bystanders were afraid to help, fearing police involvement. To eliminate this fear, the Mann government launched the 'Farishatey' scheme. The goal is to save lives by providing free, immediate, and complete hospital treatment for anyone injured in a road accident. The government refers to anyone who takes an accident victim to the hospital as a *'Farishata'* (Angel), awarding them with a cash prize of ₹2,000 and a certificate of appreciation. The best part is that the person helping will not be questioned by the police or the hospital, which encourages more people to step forward and help without fear.

Together, the SSF and the 'Farishatey' scheme create a complete safety cycle. The SSF provides a sense of security, while the 'Farishatey' scheme reminds us that we can make society better by working together. The Mann government has also promoted women's participation, with 287 women now part of the SSF. This shows that the government doesn't just talk; it brings about real change. This is true empowerment and true Punjabiyat. The Mann government has proven that the purpose of a government is not just to make rules but to care for its people's lives. This is more than a government initiative; it's a social revolution that is raising public awareness, teaching responsibility, and inspiring people to become 'angels' on this journey of humanity. The Punjab government's initiative is truly commendable. These two schemes are not just government projects; they are emotions connected to our lives. On one hand, the SSF gives us 'security,' and on the other, the 'Farishatey' scheme teaches us to build a relationship of 'love' and 'trust' with one another. The Mann government has reduced the fear of death on Punjab's roads and taught people to embrace life.