New Delhi, August 3: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced a proposal for ‘Two-Wheeler Road Ambulances’ aimed at strengthening emergency health services. The initiative is designed to ensure that people in remote areas have access to essential health services.
The proposal seeks formal recognition and regulation for these two-wheeled vehicles. This will enable rapid health service delivery in rural, remote, and hilly regions, where traditional ambulances often face significant challenges.
The proposed regulations aim to address the lack of a dedicated regulatory framework for these vehicles, which are increasingly viewed as an effective solution for providing emergency medical services in difficult terrains, narrow roads, and areas with limited access for conventional ambulances.
According to the ministry, Two-Wheeler Road Ambulances could significantly improve emergency response times and facilitate last-mile access to healthcare, especially in rural and remote areas, as well as hilly regions.
Currently, these vehicles are not recognized under central motor vehicle regulations, resulting in a lack of nationally established standards for their design, safety features, registration, type approval, and fitness inspections.
To bridge this gap, the ministry has proposed the adoption of AIS-209 (Part 1):2026, a new standard that outlines the manufacturing and functional requirements for life-saving Two-Wheeler Road Ambulances.
Under the draft framework, all L2 category Two-Wheeler Road Ambulances manufactured on or after October 1, 2027, will be required to comply with the provisions of AIS-209 (Part 1):2026. Emergency warning lights installed on these vehicles must also meet the specified standards from that date.
The proposed regulations provide state governments with the flexibility to determine the operational areas for these ambulances. States will have the authority to decide where these vehicles can be deployed based on local needs and geographical conditions.
Additionally, the ministry has proposed recognizing Two-Wheeler Road Ambulances as transport vehicles. Consequently, they will need to adhere to mandatory fitness certification requirements, which must be renewed every two years.
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