**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways launched the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme on February 14, 2026. This scheme provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for road accident victims for the first 7 days after the accident. The initiative aims to ensure timely medical assistance and reduce fatalities by integrating with the ERSS 112 helpline and streamlining claim processing for hospitals.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Scheme Overview:**
* PM RAHAT provides cashless treatment for road accident victims.
* Coverage extends up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for a period of 7 days post-accident.
* Stabilization treatment is provided for up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and 48 hours in life-threatening cases.
* **Emergency Response Integration:**
* The scheme integrates with the ERSS 112 helpline.
* Anyone can dial 112 for details of the nearest designated hospital and ambulance assistance.
* **Implementation and Claim Processing:**
* Implemented through the eDAR platform and TMS 2.0.
* Seamless digital linkage from accident reporting to hospital admission and payment.
* Police confirmation is required within 24-48 hours.
* Claims are to be paid within 10 days after approval by the State Health Agency.
* **Financial Aspects:**
* Reimbursement to hospitals will be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF).
* For insured vehicles, payment will be drawn from contributions made by General Insurance Companies.
* For uninsured and Hit & Run cases, payment will be made through budgetary allocation by the Government of India.
* **Grievance Redressal:**
* Grievances are addressed by a Grievance Redressal Officer nominated by the District Road Safety Committee.
**Impact Analysis**
**Road Accident Victims**
* **Impact:** Guaranteed access to timely and cashless medical treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for the initial 7 days after the accident.
* **Action Required:** Be aware of the scheme and utilize the ERSS 112 helpline in case of accidents.
**Hospitals**
* **Impact:** Financial certainty through assured reimbursement for treating road accident victims.
* **Action Required:** Provide treatment to road accident victims within the scope of the PM RAHAT scheme and follow the established procedures for claim processing.
**Police Authorities**
* **Impact:** Required to provide police authentication within specified timelines (24-48 hours) for treatment authorization.
* **Action Required:** Ensure timely authentication of accident reports for efficient claim processing.
**General Insurance Companies**
* **Impact:** Contribute to the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF) for cases where the offending vehicle is insured.
* **Action Required:** Fulfill their financial obligations to the MVAF to ensure timely reimbursement to hospitals.
**District Collectors/District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners**
* **Impact:** Responsible for ensuring accountability at the district level through the District Road Safety Committee.
* **Action Required:** Nominate a Grievance Redressal Officer to address grievances of road accident victims.
Key Entities Referenced
PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme: A scheme providing cashless treatment to road accident victims.
Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF): Fund used for reimbursement to hospitals for treating road accident victims.
Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112: National emergency number integrated with PM RAHAT to help accident victims access medical assistance.
District Road Safety Committee: Committee, chaired by the District Collector, responsible for addressing grievances related to road accident victims at the district level.
Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR): A platform amalgamated with Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) to implement the PM RAHAT Scheme.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Government Launches “PM RAHAT” – Cashless
Treatment of Road Accident Victims
Posted On: 14 FEB 2026 6:59PM by PIB Delhi
In its very first decision after shifting to Seva Teerth, the Prime Minister approved the launch of the PM
RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme, reflecting a
governance approach rooted in Seva – service, compassion and protection for vulnerable citizens. The
decision underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no life is lost due to lack of
immediate medical assistance after a road accident.
India records a significant number of road accident fatalities every year, many of which are preventable
with timely medical intervention. Studies indicate that nearly 50% of road accident deaths can be
averted if victims are admitted to hospital within the first hour. By approving PM RAHAT from Seva
Teerth, the Prime Minister has prioritized life-saving intervention, financial certainty for hospitals, and a
structured emergency response system for accident victims.
Integration with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 helpline ensures that accident
victims reach hospitals within the Golden Hour. Road accident victims, Rah-Veer (Good Samaritans), or
any person at the accident site may dial 112 to obtain details of the nearest designated hospital and
request ambulance assistance, enabling swift coordination between emergency responders, police
authorities and hospitals.
Under the Scheme, every eligible road accident victim on any category of road will be entitled to cashless
treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim, for period of 7 days from the date of accident. Stabilization
treatment will be provided for up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and up to 48 hours in life-
threatening cases, subject to police authentication on an integrated digital system.
PM RAHAT is implemented through a robust, technology-driven framework amalgamating the Electronic
Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with the
Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) of the National Health Authority. This integration enables
seamless digital linkage from accident reporting to hospital admission, police authentication, treatment
administration, claim processing, and final payment. Police confirmation is required within defined
timelines – 24 hours for non-life-threatening cases and 48 hours for life-threatening cases – ensuring
accountability while allowing uninterrupted emergency care.
Reimbursement to hospitals will be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF). In cases
where the offending vehicle is insured, payment will be drawn from contributions made by General
Insurance Companies. In uninsured and Hit & Run cases, payment will be made through budgetary
allocation by Government of India. Claims approved by the State Health Agency will be paid within 10
days, thereby providing financial certainty to hospitals and encouraging uninterrupted treatment.
Grievances of road accident victims will be addressed by a Grievance Redressal Officer nominated by
the District Road Safety Committee chaired by the District Collector / District Magistrate / Deputy
Commissioner, ensuring accountability at the district level.The approval and launch of PM RAHAT from Seva Teerth symbolizes a citizen-first approach – where
governance translates into timely action, compassionate response, and protection of life. By ensuring that
no accident victim is denied life-saving treatment due to financial constraints, PM RAHAT marks a
decisive step towards saving lives of road accident victimsand strengthening India’s emergency care
ecosystem.
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