Chandigarh, Feb 2: The Punjab government’s Sadak Surakheya Force has successfully reduced highway accident deaths by nearly 50 percent within its first two years of operation. Detailed statistics shared by AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu indicate that fatalities dropped from 1,955 in 2023 to 1,016 in 2024, accounting for 940 lives saved through the initiative.
This specialized force maintains a swift emergency response time of six to eight minutes, utilizing 1,500 dedicated personnel who remain focused solely on highway safety rather than VIP duties. The administration has stationed fully equipped vehicles every 30 kilometers to ensure that medical aid and rescue tools reach accident sites with speed comparable to advanced nations.
“These vehicles are equipped with first-aid facilities, rescue tools and cutters, and personnel are trained to extract victims safely and provide immediate medical aid before shifting them to hospitals,” Pannu stated while reflecting on the project’s progress.
Beyond medical emergencies, the consistent patrolling has led to a significant decline in highway-related crimes. The presence of the force has almost entirely removed the risk of post-accident looting and improved overall security for commuters during night hours.
The initiative remains a central pillar of the current administration’s focus on people-centric governance. Pannu expressed gratitude toward the staff and the leadership for transforming the vision into a life-saving reality, noting that the professional dedication of the SSF continues to deliver tangible outcomes for the public.
