The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in association with ICICI Lombard had launched a cashless insurance cover for highway accident victims in August 2014. The pilot stretch for the project, the Jaipur-Delhi highway, witnessed 4,000 accidents during the last 15 months, said Mr. Sanjay Datta, Chief Underwriting and Claims, ICICI Lombard.
The accidents resulted in 7000 claims during the period. The policy covers accidents that occur over a stretch of 150-200 km of the Jaipur-Delhi highway. The maximum amount that can be claimed under this policy is ` 30,000. The premium for this insurance policy is paid by the Ministry.
Tie-ups with major hospitals in the area have facilitated prompt ambulance services and immediate medical attention to the injured. Therefore, in addition to cashless hospitalization, the insurance policy has also helped to reduce fatalities due to the timely care provided during the 'Golden Hour'.
The Ministry has declared that based on the success of this pilot project, the initiative will be expanded to cover the entire country. The move for a Road Transport and Safety Bill, which if passed would focus on better roads, enhanced safety measures and tie-ups with insurance companies among others, is encouraging.