By In a major push to reduce road accidents and strengthen emergency response, the Punjab government has rolled out comprehensive Punjab road safety initiatives under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Safe Punjab vision. The new measures focus on highways, motorways, and urban road networks, where traffic density and accident risks continue to rise.
A key pillar of this initiative is the launch of the Motorway Ambulance Service, aimed at delivering rapid medical assistance to accident victims on high-speed roads. Delays in emergency response on motorways have historically contributed to serious injuries and fatalities. By ensuring quicker access to lifesaving medical care, authorities hope to significantly lower death rates and improve survival outcomes.
To further enhance emergency readiness, Punjab has substantially expanded its rescue infrastructure. The province now operates 892 ambulances, 2,304 rescue bikes, 281 fire vehicles, and 74 specialized rescue units, providing 24/7 coverage for road accidents, vehicle fires, and other emergencies. This expanded fleet is particularly critical during peak traffic hours and long-distance travel periods.
Preventive safety has also been made a priority. Over 2,200 buildings, including commercial centers and high-footfall locations, have been inspected for fire hazards and structural risks. Officials say these inspections are designed to minimize emergencies before they occur, ensuring public safety and protecting valuable infrastructure.
Previously, residents of smaller towns and semi-urban areas faced dangerous delays due to limited access to rescue services. Addressing this gap, the Punjab government has extended Rescue and Fire Services to the tehsil level, significantly reducing response times and improving emergency coverage in remote areas.
Traffic and rescue data indicate that highways and urban roads remain high-risk zones due to speeding, weak road discipline, and delayed medical assistance. With vehicle numbers increasing steadily, road safety remains a growing challenge.
These wide-ranging reforms reflect Punjab’s long-term strategy to modernize road safety infrastructure, improve emergency response, and reduce accident-related casualties. As implementation progresses, the effectiveness of these initiatives will be closely watched by motorists, safety experts, and policymakers alike.
