Miscellaneous Schemes under Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways.

Setu Bharatam

• Problem: Railway crossings on highways are major accident-prone zones and also slow down traffic.
• Solution: The Setu Bharatam programme aims to replace all such railway crossings on National Highways with Road Over Bridges (ROBs) or Road Under Bridges (RUBs).
• Implementing Agencies:
  • NHAI (National Highways Authority of India)
  • NHIDCL (National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.)
  • State PWDs (Public Works Departments)
• Impact: This reduces accidents, saves travel time, and improves efficiency in freight and passenger movement.

INAM Pro+

• Think of this as an online marketplace for the infrastructure sector.
• Features:
  • Buyers and sellers of cement, construction materials, and equipment (new or used) can transact.
  • The portal allows comparison of price and availability, helping reduce costs and delays.
• Purpose: Bring transparency and efficiency in infrastructure procurement.

Good Samaritan Award Scheme

• Idea: Often in road accidents, people hesitate to help victims fearing police or legal troubles.
• Objective: Motivate ordinary citizens — “Good Samaritans” — to assist road accident victims without fear.
• Benefits:
  • Cash award of ₹5,000 per incident (maximum 5 incidents per year per person).
  • Certificate of Appreciation from the government.
• Impact: Encourages a culture of compassion and quick rescue, which can save thousands of lives.

Parvatmala Pariyojana (National Ropeways Development Programme)

• Announced in: Union Budget 2022–23.
• Plan: To develop 250+ ropeway projects in 5 years, especially in hilly and difficult terrain.
• Mode: PPP (Public–Private Partnership).
• Why ropeways?
  • They are ecologically sustainable, safer, and faster than building conventional roads in fragile mountains.
  • Improve connectivity and tourism in Himalayan and other hill regions.
• Example: Ropeways to pilgrimage sites or tourist hotspots.

Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims

This is one of the most important recent initiatives:

(a) Purpose

• Provide immediate cashless treatment to victims of road accidents.

(b) Coverage

• ₹1.5 lakh per person, for up to 7 days of treatment.
• Hospitals raise claims which are reimbursed from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.
• Victims may also use Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY trauma packages.

(c) Conditions

• Police must be informed within 24 hours.
• Applicable to all road accidents involving motor vehicles, on any road type.

(d) Implementation

• National Health Authority (NHA) coordinates with:
  • Police
  • Hospitals
  • State health agencies
• Use of e-Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) app for digital monitoring.

(e) Ex-Gratia in Hit-and-Run Cases

• Families of deceased victims get ₹2 lakh compensation.

(f) Legal Mandate

• Provided under Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates cashless treatment for accident victims.