Maharashtra plans to launch an air ambulance service along three major highways to help critically injured accident victims reach trauma care faster. The move is intended to reduce delays in transferring seriously hurt patients during the critical “golden hour,” particularly where traffic congestion, long distances and limited access to emergency facilities can slow response times.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, at a meeting with Health Minister and other senior officials, outlines a coordinated plan involving the transport, health and police departments. The routes being prioritised are Samruddhi Mahamarg, the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and the Mumbai–Goa Highway. Officials say standard operating procedures will be prepared and approved by mid-November, followed by clearance from a high-level committee and then tendering.
While the outlets broadly agree on the overall launch goal and the three highways, they vary slightly on timing details—some reporting an early-2025-style start linked to the New Year, and others citing later timelines. All accounts emphasise improved coordination, patient transport protocols, and integration with a network of trauma care centres and emergency response providers, with funding planned via the Road Safety Fund.
