Imphal: In Manipur only, over the past seven years, more than 3, 000 road accidents have occurred been, resulting in the loss of 834 lives, said Anurag Bajpai, IFS, PCCF and HoFF and chief Wildlife Warden, and additional chief secretary (Transport) on Monday.
Anurag made the statement stating that as per reports of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in 2023 India recorded over 4.80 lakh road accidents.
He was attending a one-day state level Workshop on Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR), Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme 2025 and Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Vehicles Accident Scheme, held at Institute of driver training and research centre (IDTRC) Top Dussara, Imphal East.
Anurag Bajpai stated that it is essential to deliberate on two significant digital initiatives that represent a major step forward in the development of our society viz the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) and the Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, that represent a major step forward in the development of our society.
He pointed out that while the national average mortality rate due to road accidents stands at 9.3 percent, Manipur’s rate is significantly higher at 29 percent, indicating a serious concern for road safety in the state.
“The mortality rate in Manipur is very high, which clearly indicates the urgent need for implementing this scheme in a comprehensive and effective manner,” Anurag said.
He highlighted that many police and paramilitary personnel still lack adequate skills in handling road accident cases and in safely transporting victims to hospitals by ambulance. He stressed that proper training and skill development are crucial for police, paramilitary forces, and administrative officials to ensure timely and effective emergency response.
He suggested that every police station should ensure the proper implementation and regular updating of the eDAR system.
Anurag emphasized that these two initiatives, taken together, have the potential to bring about a fundamental transformation in emergency response and digital governance. Thousands of people are affected by road accidents every year, and these measures aim to provide timely assistance and support to the victims and their families. He further ensured that the Director of Transport will review the progress and implementation of the eDAR system during the monthly review meetings.
In the technical session, Nongdren Khomba, resource person from NIC, delivered a presentation on the topic “Introduction to eDAR (iRAD) Project.” Kh. Sanjeev, DTO Imphal West, spoke on “Cashless Treatment under eDAR.” Nongdren Khomba elaborated on the “Roles and Responsibilities of Police.” Rinsophy Chamroy, nodal officer, SHA Manipur, addressed the participants on “Roles of PMJAY Empaneled Hospitals and the State Health Agency.”
Naorem Ibomcha Singh, senior divisional manager, National Insurance Company Ltd., made a presentation on “Fake Motor Accident Claims.” The session concluded with I. Hemochandra, DTO Thoubal, speaking on “Compensation to Victims under the Hit and Run Motor Accident Scheme.”
The workshop was organised by the Transport Department, Manipur, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Manipur state unit.
Kengoo Zuningla, secretary (Science & Tech)/CEO, State Health Agency Manipur and Jogeshchandra Haobijam, DIGP/ state Police nodal officer, eDAR, were present in workshop. The workshop was also attended by DLOs, officials of transport department and NIC.
