Punjab is setting new benchmarks in road safety after introducing its specialized Road Safety Force (SSF), which has achieved a 48 percent reduction in accident-related fatalities. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann shared these encouraging figures on Sunday, underscoring how swift rescues and superior medical protocols are saving lives daily.
From being one of the worst offenders in national road death statistics, Punjab has scripted a success story. The SSF’s contributions include neutralizing dangerous black spots, such as the Patiala-Sirhind stretch, and supporting extensive road upgrades spanning 43,000 kilometers.
This homegrown model has captured national imagination. In a recent ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode, the Prime Minister commended Punjab’s efforts as a replicable strategy for nationwide adoption. Indeed, several states have expressed interest in implementing similar forces.
Stationed strategically on 4,200 km of high-risk highways, SSF teams deliver round-the-clock vigilance, enforce compliance with traffic laws, and ensure the secure return of accident victims’ possessions. Their multifaceted role has not only lowered mortality rates but also recovered valuables for the injured. This visionary step by the Mann government addresses long-ignored public safety gaps left by previous leadership, paving the way for a safer India.