Nagpur: The Maharashtra government is preparing to introduce air ambulance services on the Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg by early 2027. The initiative is aimed at improving emergency medical response and ensuring that people seriously injured in highway accidents receive timely treatment.
The proposed facility will also be extended to the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and Mumbai–Goa Highway, creating a faster emergency evacuation system across three important road networks in Maharashtra.
Focus on Saving Lives During the Golden Hour
One of the primary objectives of the project is to provide medical assistance during the critical first hour following a road accident, commonly known as the Golden Hour.
Immediate medical intervention during this period can significantly improve the chances of survival for critically injured patients.
Highway accidents often occur far from major hospitals, making it difficult for conventional ambulances to reach advanced medical facilities quickly. The proposed air ambulance service could help overcome these challenges by transporting patients to specialised trauma care centres.
Government Sets Timeline for Implementation
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has outlined the government’s proposed schedule for implementing the initiative.
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are expected to be prepared and approved by November 15, 2026. The government subsequently aims to obtain clearance from a high-powered committee and initiate the tender process by the end of November.
If the required approvals and operational arrangements are completed on schedule, air ambulance services could begin in early 2027.
Better Coordination Between Emergency Departments
The project will involve coordination between Maharashtra’s transport, health and police departments to establish an efficient emergency response system.
Authorities are also working on identifying suitable trauma care centres, selecting service providers and developing standard procedures for safely transferring accident victims to hospitals.
According to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Maharashtra witnesses approximately 15,000 road accidents annually, highlighting the importance of strengthening emergency medical infrastructure.
Major Relief Expected for Samruddhi Mahamarg Travellers
The proposed service could be particularly beneficial for motorists travelling along the Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, where long distances between medical facilities can make emergency evacuation challenging.
Air ambulances could significantly reduce the time required to transfer critically injured patients to hospitals equipped with specialised medical facilities.
However, the project’s successful implementation will depend on necessary approvals, infrastructure development, availability of medical resources and effective coordination between emergency response agencies.
Once operational, the initiative could become an important step towards improving highway safety and emergency healthcare services across Maharashtra.
