Maharashtra to Launch Air Ambulance Services on Three Major Highways From Early 2027

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is planning to introduce air ambulance services on three major highways from early 2027 to ensure faster medical assistance for critically injured road accident victims and improve their chances of survival.

The proposed initiative will cover the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Mumbai-Goa Highway and Samruddhi Mahamarg, three important road corridors that witness significant passenger and commercial vehicle movement.

The service aims to reduce delays in transporting seriously injured accident victims to specialised hospitals, particularly in areas where heavy traffic, long distances and limited medical facilities can slow emergency response.

Air Ambulances to Provide Emergency Care During Golden Hour

The proposed service will focus on the crucial first hour following a serious road accident, commonly referred to as the golden hour.

Timely medical intervention during this period can significantly improve outcomes for patients suffering from severe injuries.

Currently, road accident victims on major highways may face delays in reaching hospitals because of traffic congestion, difficult terrain or the distance between accident locations and trauma care centres.

Air ambulances could help address these challenges by transporting eligible patients to advanced medical facilities more quickly when ground transportation is inadequate.

Three Major Highways Identified for the Project

The Maharashtra government has identified three major highways for the proposed air ambulance network.

The Samruddhi Mahamarg, connecting Mumbai and Nagpur, is one of the state's longest expressway corridors.

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway connects two major urban and industrial centres, while the Mumbai-Goa Highway serves important coastal districts.

The proposed service is expected to strengthen emergency medical support along these routes.

Transport, Health and Police Departments to Work Together

The initiative will involve coordination between the Maharashtra Transport Department, Health Department and Police Department.

Authorities are working on a framework that includes identifying suitable trauma care centres, selecting air ambulance service providers and establishing standard operating procedures for emergency patient transfers.

The coordinated system is intended to ensure that accident victims receive timely assistance, from initial emergency response to hospital admission.

Road Safety Fund May Support Air Ambulance Operations

The government is also considering financial support through the Road Safety Fund.

Officials are examining funding arrangements for operating the proposed air ambulance service and strengthening associated emergency response infrastructure.

The final operational model, service providers, eligibility criteria and implementation details have not yet been announced.

Service Expected to Begin in Early 2027

The state is targeting early 2027 for the introduction of the proposed services, subject to the completion of planning and necessary arrangements.

Once operational, the air ambulance network would supplement existing ambulance and emergency medical services rather than replace ground-based transportation.

The initiative is aimed at improving trauma care access and reducing preventable deaths resulting from serious highway accidents.