Punjab : Baljit Pannu, AAP Punjab Media In-charge, highlighted the achievements of the Punjab Government’s Road Safety Force (SSF – Sadak Surakheya Force) on its second anniversary, calling it one of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s most effective and citizen-focused reforms that has significantly improved road safety across the state.
Baltej Pannu noted that at the time of SSF’s launch, Punjab recorded 1,955 deaths due to highway accidents in 2023. This figure fell dramatically to 1,016 in 2024, indicating that nearly 940 lives were saved within a year due to the force’s timely and professional intervention. The overall number of fatal road accidents has dropped by almost 50 percent, marking a significant enhancement in highway safety.
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Baltij Pannu further explained that the SSF operates with a dedicated strength of approximately 1,500 specially trained personnel who are exclusively assigned to road safety duties and are not diverted for VIP or other responsibilities. Well-equipped SSF vehicles are positioned at intervals of every 30 kilometres on highways, enabling teams to reach accident sites within 6 to 8 minutes—on par with response standards seen in developed nations.
“These vehicles are fitted with first-aid kits, rescue equipment, and cutting tools, while personnel are trained to safely extricate accident victims and provide immediate medical assistance before transporting them to hospitals,”Baltij Pannu said. He added that SSF’s presence has largely curbed post-accident thefts and led to a notable reduction in highway-related crimes, particularly during night hours.
Describing SSF as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s “dream project,”Baltij Pannu said the initiative has gone beyond planning to deliver life-saving results on a daily basis. He applauded the commitment of SSF personnel and support staff, emphasising that protecting and saving human lives remains the greatest success of any government.