Maharashtra to Launch Air Ambulance Service on Three Highways From New Year

The proposed service will cover the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai–Nagpur highway), Pune–Mumbai Expressway and Mumbai–Goa highway. 

Maharashtra plans to launch an emergency air ambulance service on three major highways from early 2027 to transport critically injured accident victims to hospitals during the crucial golden hour, state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Tuesday.

The proposed service will cover the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai–Nagpur highway), Pune–Mumbai Expressway and Mumbai–Goa highway. The state government aims to finalize and secure approval for the standard operating procedure (SOP) by November 15, followed by the tendering process after approval from a high-powered committee, expected by the end of November.

“The aim is to ensure timely medical treatment for those injured in severe road accidents and help save lives,” Sarnaik said.

Maharashtra Reports Around 15,000 Road Accidents Annually

Maharashtra records approximately 15,000 road accidents every year, according to Sarnaik. Traffic congestion, long distances to hospitals and limited access to emergency medical facilities can delay treatment for highway accident victims.

The air ambulance initiative is intended to improve emergency response by facilitating faster transportation to trauma care centers. The proposed framework will include coordination among emergency response agencies, a network of trauma care centers, empanelment of service providers and funding from the road safety fund.

The state transport department will work with the health department and police to develop standardized emergency response protocols and define operational procedures for the service.

Infrastructure and Coordination Remain Key Challenges

Aviation analyst Dhairyashil Vandekar cautioned that operating a round-the-clock air ambulance service would require substantial infrastructure and coordination among multiple agencies.

He said the initiative would need seamless cooperation among the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the health department, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), air traffic control authorities and hospitals.

Dedicated helipads at regular intervals, night-landing facilities, specially trained paramedics and a centralized command-and-control center would also be necessary, Vandekar said.

He also highlighted the need for a medical insurance model to cover air ambulance charges and keep the service affordable. Without an appropriate financing mechanism, the cost of emergency air transport could limit access for patients who cannot afford the service.

The government is targeting the beginning of 2027 for the launch, subject to the completion of the SOP, committee approval and subsequent tendering process. The operational framework and infrastructure requirements will be key factors in determining how the service is implemented across the three highways.

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