Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed the state Director General of Police, Vinaytosh Mishra, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre, to take corrective measures after delays in police verification were flagged as affecting the implementation of the Centre’s PM-Rahat scheme for road accident victims.
The issue was discussed at a recent review meeting chaired by Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, where officials noted that the number of beneficiaries in Odisha remained comparatively low.
According to data released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Odisha had 380 cases approved under PM-Rahat as of July 31, 2026. Another 58 cases were discharged from the scheme after no police response within the prescribed timeline, while 32 cases were found ineligible by the state police.
DGP Asked to Ensure Police Response Within 24 Hours
The state government has directed the DGP to issue instructions to all Superintendents of Police and Deputy Commissioners of Police to ensure that PM-Rahat cases are verified and processed within the stipulated timeframe.
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Under the scheme, hospitals initiate the treatment request through the digital system, following which the case is sent to the district police through the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform. Police authentication is required within 24 hours for non-life-threatening cases and within 48 hours in cases classified as life-threatening.
The police response includes verifying accident-related details and taking the necessary action on the eDAR platform. The system allows officials to approve, reject or transfer requests.
A senior police officer, according to the report, said, “We have taken note of the matter. Police officers will be sensitised.”
PM-Rahat Provides Treatment Cover Up to ₹1.5 Lakh
The PM-Rahat scheme was launched nationally on February 13, 2026. It provides cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh per road accident victim for a maximum of seven days from the date of the accident. The scheme applies to eligible accidents involving motor vehicles on any category of road.
The scheme integrates the eDAR platform of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with the National Health Authority’s Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0). The 112 Emergency Response Support System is also linked to the scheme to help accident victims or Good Samaritans identify designated hospitals and seek ambulance assistance.
Odisha Plans Monitoring and Awareness Measures
The state government has also directed the State Transport Authority and Health Department to undertake publicity campaigns to increase awareness about PM-Rahat.
The Crime Branch has been asked to develop a daily monitoring dashboard for the scheme. Officials have also been directed to examine emergency-response arrangements, including the positioning of ambulances and highway patrol vehicles at suitable locations along vulnerable stretches.
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