Government to Provide Cashless Treatment up to ₹1.5 Lakh for Road Accident Victims
In a major relief for road accident victims, the central government has launched a nationwide initiative to provide cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh at designated hospitals. The scheme, titled Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims (CTRAV) Scheme 2025, came into effect from May 5, 2025.
The scheme ensures that anyone injured in a road accident—regardless of fault—can receive free medical care for up to 7 days at nearby empanelled hospitals, including treatment, diagnostics, medicines, ICU, and surgeries.
The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in coordination with insurance companies through the General Insurance Council (GIC), and is backed by the National Health Authority (NHA) using the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission framework.
Key Highlights:
- Maximum coverage: ₹1.5 lakh per accident victim
- Applicable across India, in all states and union territories
- Available at notified hospitals for 7 days post-accident
- Coverage includes emergency transport, medical procedures, and rehabilitation
The initiative comes after the Supreme Court directed the government to ensure timely medical aid to road accident victims without delay due to cost barriers. Previously, accident victims had to bear expenses or rely on third-party insurance reimbursements.
Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, while launching the project, emphasized that the move aligns with the government's commitment to improving road safety and reducing fatalities by 50% by 2030.
However, earlier audits and PILs revealed that many hospitals refused to treat accident patients without upfront payment. This scheme now ensures that immediate treatment will not be denied under any circumstances.
A digital portal will also be launched to help track hospital claims and streamline the verification process, ensuring transparency and timely reimbursements to hospitals.
