Patna: The Bihar government has announced plans to create a comprehensive database of drivers and provide free medical treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for people injured in road accidents, as part of a wider road safety overhaul aimed at reducing fatalities across the state.
The measures were discussed at a review meeting of the state’s transport department chaired by deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, who directed officials to introduce a district-wise tracking system for drivers and categorise road crashes into “minor” and “major” incidents to better understand their causes.
Officials said the proposed database would include details of registered and trained drivers, with a particular focus on those operating heavy motor vehicles (HMVs). The deputy chief minister urged HMV drivers to voluntarily undergo training, warning that those who fail to respond after three notices could face punitive action.
A broader road safety action plan will be drawn up following an analysis of accident patterns and the ratio of crashes to fatalities, the government said.
In a parallel measure aimed at improving emergency response, accident victims will be eligible for free treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh at designated trauma centres. The initiative is intended to improve survival rates during the “golden hour” after serious crashes.
Transport secretary Rajkumar informed the meeting that from May 1, trainee drivers would receive Rs 100 for refreshments and a Rs 200 incentive. He also said a permanent system for driving tests is being introduced in every district, allowing applicants to take examinations year-round at their convenience.
The government also outlined plans to deploy an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) in major cities, including Patna, under a public-private partnership model. The system is expected to improve traffic regulation and enable electronic monitoring of violations.
Officials said the initiative would also support efforts to address congestion and modernise enforcement. Senior transport department officials, including the state transport commissioner Arif Ahsan, attended the meeting.
