India’s roads are driven by millions who rely on them not just for mobility, but for their daily livelihoods. Among them, gig workers such as delivery partners and app-based drivers spend long hours navigating, often high-risk traffic conditions.
Recognising both their vulnerability and their unique position on the roads, Surakshit Saathi, under Hero MotoCorp’s Ride Safe India initiative, has taken a meaningful first step towards building a network of trained First Responders or ‘Saathis’ – critical during the Golden Hour of emergency care.
The programme focuses on those with the highest exposure to road risks, equipping them not only with safer riding practices but also with life-saving emergency response skills. In its first phase, over 2500 gig workers were trained across Gurugram, Delhi, Haridwar, and Jaipur, creating a distributed safety net on some of the country’s busiest roads.
The initiative aims to scale this effort to over 5000 trained participants to more cities in the next phase – strengthening its vision of a responsive, on-ground safety network. Surakshit Saathi is designed as a sustained effort – one that builds this capability over time and empowers those already present at the scene of most road accidents, to act when it matters the most.
Gig Worker Training Program
At the core of the initiative is a structured training model designed specifically for two-wheeler riders. The sessions were practical, scenario-based, and tailored to real-life situations faced by gig workers.
Participants were trained in critical areas such as CPR, airway and breathing management, haemorrhage control, and safe victim handling. Modules also covered the Good Samaritan Law, helping riders understand their legal protections when assisting accident victims.
The training was delivered in collaboration with the International Road Federation (IRF), India Chapter, and led by certified trauma care professionals and emergency response experts. This ensured that participants receive both technical knowledge and hands-on skills that can be applied in high-pressure situations.
Multi Stakeholder Collaboration
A defining aspect of Surakshit Saathi is its collaborative approach. The programme brought together industry players such as Zepto, Zomato, Swiggy, and Rapido, alongside government and enforcement authorities.
Training sessions were conducted in the presence of senior traffic police officials, while offering participants direct insights into road safety enforcement and discipline.
A key milestone was the flagship Surakshit Saathi event in Haridwar, conducted in collaboration with the Regional Transport Authority. The event saw participation from over 500 gig workers and was attended by several dignitaries, including Shri Pradeep Batra, Transport Minister, Uttarakhand; Shri Sandeep Saini, RTO Administration, Dehradun; Dr. Anita Chamola, RTO Enforcement, Dehradun; Shri Phincha Ram Chauhan, ADM Haridwar; and Shri Vipendra, CO Traffic, Haridwar.
On Ground Training Access
To improve accessibility and participation, the programme has adopted a decentralised training approach. A large-scale on-ground training camp was conducted at Udyog Vihar in Gurugram, a key hub with a high concentration of gig worker activity. By taking training directly to operational zones, the initiative ensures minimal disruption to work schedules while maximising reach.
Surakshit Saathi Safety Kits
Participants were also equipped with comprehensive safety kits across all locations. Safety kits include:
- ISI-certified safety helmet
- Reflective safety jacket
- First aid kit
- Emergency protocol card
- Surakshit Saathi badge and safety stickers
- Road safety behavioural guide
- Certificate of participation
Enforcement Led Training Sessions
In addition to field sessions, focused training programmes were conducted in collaboration with enforcement authorities at Traffic Control Rooms and DCP headquarters. Sessions held in the presence of Dr. Arpit Jain, IPS, DCP Traffic, Gurugram, and Ms. Ranu Sharma, ADCP Traffic South, Jaipur, added credibility and offered participants direct insights into road discipline and safety practices from enforcement leadership.
Through its focus on skill-building and behavioural change, Surakshit Saathi moves beyond awareness campaigns. As it evolves, the initiative is working towards building a growing community of riders who are not only safer themselves but are also prepared to step in and help others during emergencies. In doing so, the initiative is contributing to faster emergency response, improved road discipline, and a more responsive safety culture on Indian roads.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Surakshit Saathi addresses a critical gap in India’s road safety ecosystem by empowering those who are already most present on the roads. In a country where timely assistance can often mean the difference between life and death, enabling gig workers to act as the first responders is both practical and powerful.
By combining skill-building with awareness and institutional collaboration, the initiative moves beyond intent and creates a system that can improve real-time response and potentially save lives.
