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New Delhi, August 4, 2026: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed a new regulatory framework for two-wheeled road ambulances, a move aimed at improving emergency medical services in rural, remote and hilly areas where conventional ambulances often face access challenges.
The ministry has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989. The proposal seeks to recognise two-wheeled road ambulances as a separate vehicle category and introduce uniform safety and operational standards across the country.
At present, India does not have a dedicated regulatory framework for these vehicles. As a result, there are no national standards covering their design, construction, registration, safety features or fitness inspections.
New Safety Standards Proposed
Under the draft rules, all L2-category two-wheeled road ambulances manufactured on or after October 1, 2027, must comply with AIS-209 (Part 1):2026, a new automotive standard that specifies construction and functional requirements for life-support two-wheeled ambulances.
The proposed standard covers key safety features, including vehicle stability, braking performance, rear visibility, emergency warning lights, secure patient restraint systems and safe loading and unloading mechanisms.
It also requires the vehicles to protect patients from environmental exposure while being transported. The ministry has proposed that State Governments will decide where two-wheeled road ambulances can operate. The vehicles are expected to serve areas where regular ambulances find it difficult to reach, including villages, remote regions, hilly terrain and narrow roads.
Regular Fitness Checks Mandatory
The proposal classifies two-wheeled road ambulances as transport vehicles. Accordingly, every vehicle must undergo periodic fitness inspections, and the certificate of fitness must be renewed every two years. During inspections, authorities will check the secure mounting of the patient transport unit, stretcher locking mechanism, patient restraint systems, tyres, emergency warning lights, loading equipment and the availability of a valid fire extinguisher.
The ministry believes the proposed framework will improve emergency medical response by allowing specialised vehicles to reach patients more quickly in areas with poor road access.
Officials said the new standards will also improve safety, accountability and uniformity in the design and operation of two-wheeled road ambulances across India.
Draft Open for Public Feedback
The ministry has invited public comments on the draft notification for 30 days. After reviewing the suggestions, it will finalise the amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
If approved, the new rules will establish India's first comprehensive national standards for two-wheeled road ambulances.
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