Govt Plans Free 7-Day Hospital Treatment for Road Accident Victims: Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today announced that the government is working on a new measure to provide free medical treatment for road accident victims. Under the proposed initiative, anyone admitted to a hospital after an accident will be eligible for free treatment for up to seven days.

Currently, road accident victims are eligible for compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act and can access limited support through schemes such as the Solatium Fund. In recent years, the government has also introduced pilot projects for cashless treatment along National Highways, supported by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). However, large parts of the country continue to lack a uniform, nationwide system for immediate and comprehensive medical care.

India continues to grapple with the grim distinction of being the world’s road accident capital. According to official data, the country records over 4.6 lakh road crashes annually, resulting in nearly 1.6 lakh deaths and more than 4 lakh injuries. On average, 18 lives are lost every hour due to road accidents. Two-wheelers account for the highest share of fatalities, followed by pedestrians and cyclists.

Despite several interventions, including the amended Motor Vehicles Act and stricter enforcement of traffic rules, post-accident trauma care remains a weak link. Experts note that the first hour after an accident — the “golden hour” — is critical, and lack of immediate medical attention is a leading cause of preventable deaths.

Gadkari made the announcement while addressing the 65th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), held at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi. The convention brings together senior government officials, global and domestic auto industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of mobility and India’s role in the global transition toward sustainable and software-driven vehicles.

The minister’s statement is seen as part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance road safety and strengthen post-accident care infrastructure in the country.