Chandigarh/New Delhi, Feb 7: Nearly 15 percent of Chandigarh’s 14.27 lakh registered vehicles are currently plying without valid insurance, according to data shared by the Union Government. During a session in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed that over 2.19 lakh active vehicles in the city are not covered by the mandatory insurance policies required by law.
The Minister noted that across the country, two-wheelers make up the majority of these uninsured cases. In Chandigarh, the administration is now expected to step up identification efforts and take action against those failing to renew their policies. The lack of insurance is particularly problematic in hit-and-run cases or serious mishaps where victims rely on third-party coverage for financial support.
“Uninsured vehicles pose a serious threat to the road safety ecosystem. Without insurance, the financial burden of a mishap falls entirely on the individuals involved, which can be devastating,” a transport official noted.
In response to these challenges, the government has significantly increased the rewards for “Rah-Veer” or Good Samaritans from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 to encourage public assistance during emergencies. Compensation for hit-and-run victims has also been scaled up, with payments for death cases rising to Rs 2 lakh.
“We have prepared a comprehensive strategy that leans heavily on electronic surveillance and stricter enforcement at busy urban junctions,” the Union Minister directly said in his address to the house.
The upcoming regional driving training centre at Raipur Kalan is also being seen as a critical step toward long-term safety. The centre will use innovative testing systems to assess new drivers and provide refresher courses to ensure that those behind the wheel are fully aware of their legal and safety obligations.
