Imphal, October 14: More than 3,000 road accidents have occurred in Manipur over the past seven years, claiming 834 lives, according to Anurag Bajpai, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Additional Chief Secretary (Transport). He revealed the data during a one-day state-level workshop on Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) and the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme 2025, held at the Institute of Driver Training and Research Centre (IDTRC), Top Dussara, Imphal East, on Monday.
Bajpai noted that the state’s mortality rate due to road accidents stands at 29%, significantly higher than the national average of 9.3%. “This clearly indicates an urgent need to implement road safety schemes in a comprehensive and effective manner,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the eDAR system and the Cashless Treatment Scheme in improving emergency response and digital governance.
Highlighting the challenges faced by first responders, Bajpai pointed out that many police and paramilitary personnel lack adequate training in handling accident victims and ensuring their safe transport to hospitals. He called for regular training and capacity building for police, paramilitary forces, and administrative officials to enhance road safety and emergency response efficiency.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that every police station properly implements and regularly updates the eDAR system, which aims to digitally streamline accident data collection and compensation processes.
The workshop, organized by the Transport Department, Government of Manipur, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), featured technical sessions led by experts from NIC, the State Health Agency, and the National Insurance Company. Topics included the eDAR (iRAD) Project, cashless treatment schemes, compensation for hit-and-run victims, and measures to curb fake motor accident claims.
Among those present were Kengoo Zuningla, Secretary (Science & Technology) and CEO, State Health Agency, and Jogeshchandra Haobijam, DIGP and State Police Nodal Officer (eDAR), along with DLOs and officials from the Transport Department and NIC.
Bajpai concluded by reaffirming that the Director of Transport will review the progress of the eDAR system in monthly meetings to ensure timely implementation and improved road safety outcomes in Manipur.
