The deployment of the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), Punjab Police’s highway safety unit, has resulted in a 45.55% reduction in road accident fatalities in the state since its launch earlier this year. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who conceptualised the SSF, launched the force in January 2024 with the goal of creating a dedicated road safety patrol for Punjab’s roads and highways. The SSF’s responsibilities include acting as first responders at accident scenes to minimise rescue and transport times for victims. Figures accessed by The Indian Express from Punjab Police headquarters show that between February 1 and October 31, 2024, road accident fatalities decreased by 45.55%. In the same period in 2023, 1,686 deaths were reported, with the highest number in October (232). By comparison, the 2024 toll dropped to 918, with October again recording the highest figure (124). ADGP Traffic Amardeep Singh Rai said the SSF has made notable progress in enhancing road safety across Punjab, particularly in rural areas. “In just eight months, the SSF has attended to and rescued 17,469 road accident victims, significantly reducing emergency response times. Before SSF’s deployment, many accident victims went unattended or were helped only by fellow commuters,” he said. Data on SSF’s performance since its inception reveals an average response time of 6 minutes and 41 seconds, which senior Punjab Police officials describe as a global benchmark, surpassing international road safety standards. “For comparison, emergency response times in rural areas of many developed countries range from 8 to 12 minutes,” said ADGP Rai. Besides road safety, the SSF has contributed to law enforcement, recovering 6 kg of opium, a pistol, and a 12-bore rifle during route patrolling. Additionally, cash amounting to Rs 58,45,914 and three mobile phones have been returned to the families of accident victims. By adhering to the ‘Platinum 10 Minutes’ principle — the critical first ten minutes post-accident — the SSF has ensured swift, life-saving interventions, setting new standards in rural road safety, officials said. Mann launched the SSF on January 26 at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) headquarters in Jalandhar. The 1,600-strong unit is the first of its kind in the country and covers a 5,500 km network of national and state highways in Punjab. It comprises 129 vehicles, including 116 high-end Toyota Hilux units equipped with advanced equipment and linked to the nearest trauma centres for rapid assistance. SSF teams are stationed every 30 km to ensure accident victims receive medical care within 15 minutes.
