Maharashtra Plans 100 New Ambulances at Accident Black Spots to Speed Up Emergency Care

Maharashtra is planning to add 80 to 100 new ambulances at accident-prone locations across the state as part of an effort to improve emergency medical response on roads and highways.

The Transport Department plans to use the Road Safety Fund to purchase the ambulances. Priority is expected to be given to accident black spots, busy highways and remote areas located far from hospitals and trauma care centers.

The main goal is to reduce delays in providing medical assistance during the critical "golden hour" after a road accident. The proposed ambulances will provide first aid, stabilize injured people and take them to the nearest suitable hospital or trauma center.

New Ambulance Network to Strengthen Road Accident Response

The proposed ambulance network will focus specifically on road accident emergencies. While the Public Health Department already operates ambulances that provide Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support services, the new system will focus on reaching accident locations as quickly as possible.

The Transport Department plans to place ambulances at carefully selected points so emergency teams can reach victims faster. They will provide immediate medical assistance at the accident scene before transporting injured people for further treatment.

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Samruddhi Mahamarg and major highways across the Konkan region are among the routes being considered. Accident-prone roads in remote and tribal areas could also receive priority because medical facilities may be located farther away.

Accident Black Spots to Guide Ambulance Locations

Officials are expected to study several factors before deciding where the ambulances should be stationed. These include accident frequency, identified black spots, emergency response times and the distance between accident locations and nearby trauma care facilities.

The objective is to position ambulances at strategic points where they can reach accident victims in the shortest possible time.

A faster response could help injured people receive medical attention sooner and reduce the time needed to reach hospitals.

Maharashtra Also Considers Air Ambulance Service

The Transport Department is also examining a proposal for an air ambulance service for critically injured road accident victims.

A consultant may be appointed to study the feasibility of the project and prepare a detailed report. The study is expected to examine how an air ambulance network could be introduced and used for serious emergencies.

The proposal is aimed at addressing situations where critically injured victims need urgent hospital care but road transportation could take too long. Faster access to advanced medical treatment can be especially important during the first hour following a serious accident.

State Reviews Ambulance Fare Structure

Along with expanding emergency services, Maharashtra is also considering changes to ambulance fares.

The existing fare structure was set in 2020. The state is now reviewing the rates because operating costs have increased, including expenses related to fuel, vehicle maintenance, medical equipment, parking and staff salaries.

Under the current structure, the base fare for Maruti vans is ₹700 plus ₹10 per kilometer. Tata Sumo and Matador ambulances have a base fare of ₹840 plus ₹10 per kilometer. Tata 407 ambulances are charged at ₹980 plus ₹14 per kilometer, while AC and ICU ambulances have a base fare of ₹1,190 plus ₹17 per kilometer.

The proposed ambulance expansion, along with the review of emergency transport services, is intended to strengthen Maharashtra's road accident response system and improve access to timely medical care across the state.