Higher compensation proposed in hit & run accidents

The transport ministry has proposed a substantial increase in the compensation to be paid in case of death of a person in hit and run accidents to ₹2 lakh, from ₹25,000 now, to bring immediate support to the kin of the deceased.

Compensation of ₹50,000 has been proposed in case such an accident causes “grievous hurt” caused to the victims, up from ₹12,500 at present. “As per the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, compensation is to be increased for death and serious injuries to victims of hit and run road accidents,” a senior government official told ET.

The transport ministry has come up with a draft Scheme for Compensation to Victims of Hit & Run Accidents, 2021. The draft scheme proposes setting up of committees at state and district levels, which will form detailed accident reports, besides ensuring proper implementation of the scheme.


A period of 45 days has been proposed for final disbursement of claim from the date of application. “We want to ensure time-bound resolution to victims and their kin,” the official said, adding that the timeline is only tentative. Compensation will be disbursed from the Hit and Run Compensation Fund, part of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.