Punjab has recorded a 48 percent decline in road accident deaths since the launch of the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) in February 2025, according to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday praised the two-year completion of his government’s initiative, Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), for bringing down the deaths caused by road accidents in his state by 48 per cent.
Taking to X, Mann wrote, “The country’s first road safety force, set up to ensure the safety of the people of the state, has completed two years today. Owing to this unique initiative of the government, deaths caused by road accidents have declined by 48 per cent.”
“SSF teams are reaching accident sites within just 5 to 7 minutes and immediately shifting the injured to hospitals. Other states are also getting in touch with our government to adopt this effective initiative aimed at saving invaluable lives. Every citizen’s life in the state is precious to us, and we are succeeding in our efforts to protect it,” he added.
Punjab has recorded a 48 percent decline in road accident deaths since the launch of the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) in February 2025, according to Mann. State officials attribute this turnaround to the dedicated road safety unit’s intervention across vulnerable highways and improved emergency response mechanisms. Punjab was previously among the top three states for road accident fatalities.
The Chief Minister credited the reduction to a combination of quicker hospitalisation, improved trauma response, and focused patrolling on stretches identified as accident-prone. Mann pointed to the transformation of the Patiala–Sirhind road, previously known as a “killer road,” as an example of successful intervention. Upgraded road infrastructure, including 43,000 kilometres of improved roads, has also contributed to increased safety.
According to Mann, the SSF comprises 1,597 specially trained personnel and 144 modern vehicles. The force is deployed along 4,200 kilometres of highways considered vulnerable to accidents. In addition to rapid response, the SSF works to deter traffic violations and provides assistance to injured individuals, including safeguarding their belongings.
Mann reported growing interest from other states in adopting Punjab’s approach to road safety.
He added that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed road safety in his Mann Ki Baat programme, Punjab has demonstrated practical results through the SSF model. The Chief Minister stated, “The force has been deployed along 4,200 kilometres of highways that are prone to traffic accidents. Apart from patrolling their assigned areas. The SSF also acts as a strong deterrent against traffic violations,” he noted.
