Two-Wheeled Road Ambulance

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has issued a draft notification to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, establishing a regulatory framework for two‑wheeled road ambulances. The proposal introduces AIS‑209 (Part 1):2026, which sets construction and functional safety standards—including vehicle stability, braking, emergency lights, patient‑handling systems, and fitness inspection every two years—for L2‑category two‑wheeled ambulances manufactured on or after 1 Oct 2027. The framework aims to enhance safety, accountability, and faster emergency response, especially in rural, remote, and hilly terrains where conventional ambulances face mobility constraints. Public comments are invited for 30 days before finalisation.