Noida : In a major step to curb road accidents, the Uttar Pradesh transport department has launched the Sadak Suraksha Saathi (SSS) initiative, under which trained volunteers will assist the government and police in making roads safer across the state.
As part of the plan, 10 volunteers will be deployed in each of the 351 tehsils, totaling 3,510 volunteers, including 30 in Noida’s Gautam Buddh Nagar. They will work under the supervision of local Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) and coordinate with traffic police and civic bodies.
The volunteers will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹3,000 and undergo two days of training in traffic management, first aid, pedestrian safety, and school-zone protection. Each will be equipped with ID cards, reflective jackets, whistles, torches and handbooks to support their role.
Authorities said the focus would be on behavioral change through community engagement instead of strict enforcement. Special attention will be given to high-risk hours (3 pm–9 pm) and busy district roads.The program is part of the state’s 5E-based road safety model, Enforcement, Engineering, Education, Emergency Care and Evaluation. In 2025 alone, 797 accidents in Gautam Buddh Nagar claimed 311 lives and injured 585 people, underscoring the need for urgent action.
The department has also appealed for CSR and community participation to support training, equipment and awareness campaigns.