The tragic loss of a friend’s father in a road accident due to delayed medical assistance inspired Rupesh Kumar, a young student from Jharkhand, to create a solution that could prevent such incidents. In 2021, he embarked on developing Rakshak, an AI-driven road safety application aimed at providing immediate medical help to accident victims. This innovation is not just a technological advancement but a personal mission for Rupesh, driven by the desire to save lives and prevent unnecessary fatalities on Indian roads.

India’s road safety statistics are alarming, with over 4 lakh accidents reported in 2021 alone, resulting in more than 1.5 lakh deaths. The most affected demographic is the 18-45 age group, which constitutes 67% of these fatalities. Rakshak addresses this crisis by leveraging artificial intelligence and sensor data to detect accidents and notify emergency services, nearby hospitals, police stations, and individuals within a 1 km radius. This rapid response capability is crucial in reducing the time taken to provide medical assistance, a critical factor in saving lives.

Packed with smart safety features

Rakshak stands out for its multifaceted approach to road safety. The app uses Google Cloud services to identify and alert the nearest hospitals and police stations, providing them with vital information such as the victim’s blood group and any disabilities. Additionally, it offers a first-aid guide to assist victims before professional help arrives. The app also promotes adherence to road safety rules by notifying traffic police when users exceed speed limits, addressing the fact that overspeeding accounts for 71.7% of road accidents. Furthermore, it includes a feature to block phone calls while driving, tackling the 1.6% of accidents caused by mobile phone use.

Rupesh’s innovative work has not gone unnoticed. He received the 2023 INSPIRE Manak scholarship from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, which supports young innovators. This recognition not only validates the app’s potential but also provides the necessary resources for further development. Although the app is not yet publicly available due to competition regulations, it has been tested successfully, demonstrating its efficacy in simulated accident scenarios.

Backing India’s public safety vision

Rakshak contributes to national priorities such as the National Road Safety Policy and Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, which emphasize technology-driven reforms to reduce accident-related deaths. Its use of AI supports the Digital Indiamission, while its indigenous development reflects the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat. By addressing preventable fatalities through real-time response, Rakshak also aligns with Ayushman Bharat by reducing the burden on emergency healthcare infrastructure. Together, these alignments position Rakshak as a critical tool in the country’s efforts to build safer roads and smarter cities.

Rupesh Kumar’s Rakshak app is more than just a technological innovation; it represents a transformative approach to road safety in India. By significantly reducing response times and promoting safer driving practices, the app has the potential to save countless lives. As Rupesh aspires to collaborate with car manufacturers and expand the app’s reach, Rakshak could become a cornerstone in India’s road safety strategy, setting a precedent for how technology can be harnessed to tackle pressing societal issues.