Sadak Surakhya Force: Mann Government's Drive Turns into a 'Shield of Life'

The Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), which was formed in Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has turned out to be a real 'shield of life' in curbing road accidents in the state. Being launched in January 2024, the force has so far saved over 45,000 lives. SSF units are posted every 30 kilometers along about 4,100 kilometers of roads. Fitted with 144 new vehicles such as Toyota Hilux and Mahindra Scorpio, these units reach the spot of the accident within 5 to 7 minutes, administering first aid and arranging immediate hospital transportation.
28% of the force consists of women, and they are actively contributing to road safety as well as to checking drug trafficking, car robbery, and even stopping suicides — with 12 such attempts thus prevented. The role played by the SSF in making all these groups safe has been universally acknowledged.
Technologically, the force is also provided with speed guns, body cameras, e-challan systems, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, which make policing more intelligent, transparent, and accountable. The SSF has also participated proactively in disaster relief efforts, including floods.
Chief Minister Mann had recently announced a ₹4,150.42 crore project for upgrading 19,491 km of rural roads and another ₹91.83 crore road safety project, featuring zebra crossings, signboards, and reflective white marking. The project is providing a new edge to rural development as well as traffic safety.