New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday announced that the ministry has launched two new initiatives aimed at curbing road accident fatalities, including a major incentive for citizens who act as first responders.

Speaking to ANI about the schemes, the Minister shared, 'We have launched two schemes. A committee chaired by an AIIMS doctor reported that our country sees 180,000 fatalities and 500,000 accidents annually. 30% of these accident victims could be saved if taken to a hospital immediately, a figure amounting to 50,000 lives.'

To encourage immediate public intervention, the Ministry is introducing the 'Rahveer' initiative. 'If people step in to rush these 50,000 individuals to the hospital, their lives can be saved; we call such lifesavers 'Rahveers', and we will award the rescuer Rs 25,000,' Gadkari explained.

Furthermore, he also said that the government is moving to remove financial barriers to emergency care.

'Subsequently, regardless of the road type--be it national, district, or municipal--and the hospital where the victim is admitted, we immediately cover the treatment costs for up to seven days, paying the hospital bill up to a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh,' the Minister added.

Stressing the urgency of the matter, he remarked, 'I believe these schemes address a critical issue, given that our country records the highest number of road accidents globally. If everyone cooperates, we can save countless lives.'

He also highlighted private sector participation, noting, 'Today, Rapido has taken the initiative and pledged its support.'

On a similar note, keeping safety in mind, the Ministry of Railways earlier, on Sunday, launched a nationwide safety drive and ordered a comprehensive inspection of all Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches following the detection of a crack in a sleeper coach of the New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Special train at Ludhiana on June 6.

In a series of immediate corrective measures, the Railway Ministry has directed all zones to carry out detailed inspections of ICF coaches, with special emphasis on identifying rust, corrosion and structural weaknesses in critical areas. The exercise is expected to be completed within the next week.

According to the ministry, any coach found to be suffering from excessive corrosion or structural deterioration will be withdrawn from service to ensure passenger safety.

Senior officials from the Railway Board headquarters, workshops, and divisions will conduct super-checks. Zonal Railways have also released an informative video on the issue.

Advanced equipment such as endoscopy cameras and ultrasonic thickness gauges will be used for thorough inspection of critical areas. All workshops undertaking periodic overhauling will be audited within the next month.

The Ministry is also simplifying Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) to enable faster condemnation of coaches with severe corrosion or those requiring excessively high repair costs. (ANI)