To reduce deaths caused by road accidents, the Government of India has launched a special reward-based initiative that encourages people to help injured victims without fear. Under this scheme, anyone who helps an injured person reach a hospital on time can receive a cash reward of ₹25,000.

This life-saving initiative is run by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and is known as the Raah-Veer Scheme, which came into effect on April 21, 2025. The scheme will remain active till March 31, 2026.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently explained the details of this scheme in Parliament, highlighting its role in saving lives during road accidents.

What is the Raah-Veer Scheme?

The Raah-Veer scheme is based on Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. It provides legal protection and financial incentives to people who provide immediate and reasonable help to someone injured in a road accident.

The goal is simple: encourage bystanders to act quickly during the “golden hour” and ensure accident victims receive timely medical care.

Who is eligible for the ₹25,000 reward?

Any person who:

• Assists a seriously injured road accident victim

• Helps transport the victim to a hospital within the golden hour (the first one hour after a serious injury)

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, timely medical attention during this golden hour can prevent death and serious complications.

How much reward will you get?

• ₹25,000 per incident for each Raah-Veer

• If multiple people help one victim, the ₹25,000 reward is divided equally

• If one Raah-Veer helps multiple victims, ₹25,000 is awarded per victim, but the maximum reward remains ₹25,000 per Raah-Veer per incident

• Each award includes a certificate of appreciation

In addition, the top 10 Raah-Veers nationwide each year will receive a national award of ₹1,00,000.

How are Raah-Veers selected?

• If the helper informs the police first, the police (after medical confirmation) issue an approval letter

• If the injured person is taken directly to the hospital, the hospital informs the police

• The approval letter includes details like name, mobile number, address, time and place of the incident

• A district-level committee headed by the District Collector reviews the case

• The reward amount is transferred directly to the bank account via the PFMS system

State governments send three nominations each year to the Centre by September 30. The best 10 Raah-Veers are honoured in Delhi.

When will the money be credited?

• The reward is credited within 7 days after details are uploaded on the e-DAR portal

• A Raah-Veer can receive this award up to five times a year

Legal protection for helpers

• No legal action will be taken against a Raah-Veer without their consent

• Personal information is used only for awarding purposes

• Each state and union territory receives an initial fund of ₹25 lakh for implementing the scheme