CHANDIGARH, Sept 20 — Punjab’s roads, once marked by daily tragedies, are now witnessing a turnaround as the state government claims its Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) has saved more than 37,000 lives and reduced accidents by nearly 78 percent since its launch last year.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab became the first state in India to establish a dedicated road safety force in 2024. “Every day, we were losing 15 to 16 lives. These were not just statistics but shattered families and broken dreams. The SSF has given hope back to our roads,” Mann mentioned.
Deployed across 4,100 kilometers of state highways, the 1,477-member SSF operates 144 high-tech vehicles stationed every 30 kilometers. Equipped with speed guns, e-challan systems, body cameras, and AI-based monitoring, the units reach accident sites within 5 to 7 minutes. In addition to road safety, the force assists in tackling drug trafficking and other crimes.
According to government figures, road accidents dropped by 45.55 percent from February to October 2024 compared with the same period in 2023. Officials also pointed out that no child died in a road accident while traveling to or from school in areas covered by SSF patrols.
Complementing the SSF is the state’s ‘Farishatey’ (Angels) scheme, introduced the same year to address the hesitation bystanders often feel when helping accident victims. The initiative assures free and complete hospital treatment for anyone injured in a road crash. Citizens who bring victims to hospitals are honored as ‘Farishatey’, receiving ₹2,000 and a certificate of appreciation. Crucially, they are not questioned by police or hospitals, removing the fear of harassment.
“This scheme changes the culture of our roads. Instead of looking away, people are encouraged to help, knowing they will be supported, not punished,” said an official.
The Mann government said that together, the SSF and Farishatey form a “safety cycle” — prevention through enforcement, and compassion through public participation. The force has also promoted women’s empowerment, with 287 women officers now part of the SSF.
“These programs are not just schemes; they are about humanity and Punjabiyat,” Mann stated. “On one hand, SSF gives security, and on the other, Farishatey builds trust and love among people.”
Officials describe the effort as more than a policing measure, calling it a “social revolution” aimed at creating awareness, teaching responsibility, and inspiring citizens to be angels in moments of crisis.
