The Central Government is working on a plan to soon introduce two-wheeler road ambulances in the country. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, with the aim of establishing a regulatory framework for two-wheeler road ambulances.
Two-wheeler road ambulances can assist in providing rapid emergency response and medical care in rural and remote areas, as well as in hilly terrains.
Currently, two-wheeler road ambulances are not regulated as a distinct vehicle category under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. Consequently, there are no national standards governing their manufacturing, functional safety, patient-handling systems, type approval, registration, and fitness inspections. The proposed amendments aim to address these gaps by adopting AIS-209 (Part 1):2026 – Construction and Functional Requirements for Life-Saving Two-Wheeler Road Ambulances.
Implementation: It is proposed that L2 category two-wheeler road ambulances manufactured on or after October 1, 2027, must comply with AIS-209 (Part 1):2026.
Emergency Roof Lights: Roof lights installed on two-wheeler road ambulances are proposed to comply with AIS-209 (Part 1):2026 starting October 1, 2027.
Area of Operation: Such ambulances may be registered to operate in areas specified by the respective state governments.
Fitness Requirement: Two-wheeler road ambulances will be classified as transport vehicles and subject to fitness requirements, necessitating the renewal of the fitness certificate every two years.
Specific Inspection Checks: Fitness inspections will cover the secure installation of ambulance equipment or the patient-transport unit; tyres and rims; emergency warning lights; the patient stretcher and its locking mechanism; and the patient-restraint system. …loading and unloading mechanisms; and checks regarding the availability, accessibility, and validity of fire extinguishers.
Safety and Functional Framework: AIS-209 (Part 1):2026 defines a two-wheeler road ambulance as an L2 category vehicle equipped with an ambulance auxiliary unit or a patient transport system. This standard mandates key constructional and functional safety measures, including vehicle stability and braking performance, parking brake and gradeability requirements, rear visibility, coupling integrity, emergency visibility and warning devices, as well as safe patient loading, restraint, and protection against environmental hazards.
The proposed framework is expected to bring greater safety and accountability to the design and operation of two-wheeler road ambulances. It will also facilitate faster emergency response and the delivery of emergency medical care in locations where conventional ambulances might face various obstacles in reaching the scene.
Comments received on the draft regulations will be reviewed after the expiry of 30 days from the date of the draft notification, following which the rules will be finalized under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (CMVR 1989).
