PM RAHAT Scheme | 17 Feb 2026

Source: PIB 

In its first major decision after relocating to Seva Teerth, the Union Government launched the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme. 

PM RAHAT Scheme 

• About: It is an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to provide immediate, cashless treatment to road accident victims.  
  • It focuses on timely medical care, as nearly 50% of road accident deaths can be prevented if victims receive hospital treatment within the Golden Hour (the first hour after a serious injury). 
• Cashless Treatment and Coverage: Victims on any road (e.g., national highways, state roads, and city streets) are entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per victim for the first 7 days.  
  • Stabilization care is guaranteed for up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and 48 hours in life-threatening cases, subject to police authentication. 
• Implementation and Access: It operates through a technology-driven framework that creates a seamless digital link from accident reporting to claim settlement, combining: 
  • Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform (from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways). 
  • Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) of the National Health Authority. 
• Funding Mechanism: Hospitals will be reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF). If the offending vehicle is insured, payment will be made from contributions by General Insurance Companies. In uninsured and hit-and-run cases, expenses will be covered through the Government of India budgetary allocation. 
• Emergency Response Integration: The scheme is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) dial 112, allowing any individual (victim or Good Samaritan) to request ambulance services and locate the nearest designated hospital. 
• Grievance Redressal: District-level accountability is ensured by designating a Grievance Redressal Officer, nominated by the District Road Safety Committee (chaired by the District Collector/District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner), to address the grievances of victims.