Agartala, Sept 22: The Tripura police and administration are working jointly to reduce road accidents and fatalities in the state, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said on Tuesday.
He was speaking after inaugurating the West Tripura district-level ‘Road Safety Awareness and Sensitisation’ programme at the conference hall of Sonar Tori Guest House.
The Minister said it is the responsibility of everyone associated with administrative, social and political life to provide necessary assistance and support to accident victims. In this regard, the government has introduced three schemes—PM Rahat (Cashless Treatment), Hit-and Run Compensation Scheme and Rah-Veer.
He said many people, particularly in rural areas, are still unaware of the benefits available under these schemes. Both the Central and State governments are working to ensure that more people can avail themselves of these facilities.
Explaining the PM Rahat scheme, Minister said its full name is Pradhan Mantri Road Accident Victims Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment. Under the scheme, eligible road accident victims can receive cashless treatment of up to Rs.1.5 lakh at designated hospitals. The scheme was launched in May 2025.
Regarding the Hit-and-Run scheme, he said legal action is taken against the absconding vehicle driver, while the family of a person killed in a road accident is eligible for financial
assistance of up to Rs. 2 lakh, and an injured person can receive Rs. 50,000.
He said the Central government introduced the scheme on February 25, 2022, under Section 164(B) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. In Tripura, the scheme has been implemented from April 4, 2022, with the formation of six-member district-level Hit-and-Run committees headed by the respective District Magistrates.
Speaking about the Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) scheme, the Minister said individuals who provide immediate assistance to accident victims, arrange their prompt transportation to hospital and help them receive medical treatment will be awarded Rs. 25,000 and a Rah-Veer certificate by the government.
Such helpers will also receive full legal protection and will not face legal harassment for providing assistance. He said the scheme was launched in Tripura on March 31, 2026, to encourage ordinary citizens to help injured road accident victims and save lives. Earlier, the scheme was known as the Good Samaritan scheme and carried a reward of Rs. 5,000. The reward has now been increased to Rs. 25,000.
He added that at the national level, 10 Rah-Veers are awarded Rs. 1 lakh every year, along with Rah-Veer certificates. The Minister urged citizens to make use of these facilities and said the Transport, Police and Health departments, along with other administrative officials, are working together to reduce road accidents and deaths.
West Tripura Zilla Parishad acting Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil said an accident not only takes away a life but can completely devastate an entire family. Therefore, he said, awareness can be the most effective tool for preventing road accidents. MLA Meena Rani Sarkar was also present at the programme. IGP (Law & Order) Manchak Ipper spoke in detail about the role of police personnel and social organisations in implementing road safety initiatives. Transport Department Secretary U.K. Chakma discussed the objectives of road safety, institutional coordination and expected outcomes.
West Tripura District Magistrate and Collector Dr Vishal Kumar delivered the welcome address.
During the technical session, Transport Commissioner Subrata Chowdhury, IPS, and SP Traffic Kanta Jangir, among others, discussed the implementation and benefits of the PM Rahat, Hit-and-Run and Rah-Veer schemes. Sub-divisional magistrates from the district's three subdivisions, Panchayat Samiti chairpersons and members, Zilla Parishad members and officials from various government departments participated in the seminar.