Bike ambulance framework in the works, rollout from 2027

New Delhi: Two-wheeled ambulances are set to become operational across the country from October 1, 2027, to support rapid emergency response and last-mile access to medical care, in rural and remote locations as well as hilly terrain. The road ministry has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to establish a regulatory framework for two-wheeled road ambulances.

The rules currently don't regulate such ambulances as a distinct vehicle category. Consequently, there are no national requirements governing their construction, functional safety, patient-handling systems, type approval, registration and fitness inspection.

The proposed amendments seek to address these gaps through the adoption of AIS-209 (Part 1): 2026 - construction and functional requirements for life support two-wheeled road ambulances. The standard provides for key construction and functional safeguards, including vehicle stability and braking performance, parking brake and gradeability requirements, emergency conspicuity and warning devices, and safe patient loading.