Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source
Centre proposes mandatory AIS-125 compliance for ambulances, new rules for e-ambulances
The Centre has proposed new rules for road ambulances, making it mandatory for certain categories to follow updated safety and emergency standards. The proposed rules aim to strengthen ambulance safety standards and ensure better emergency medical support facilities in vehicles used for patient transport.
)
Centre has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public |Image source: Freepik|
Reported By: Ambarish Pandey
Written By: Shristi Rani
Updated: Fri, May 22, 2026
05:42 PM IST
05:42 PM IST
New Delhi, ZeeBiz WebDesk
The Centre has proposed new rules for road ambulances, making it mandatory for certain categories to follow updated safety and emergency standards while also introducing specific requirements for electric ambulances. The draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, were issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
The proposed rules aim to strengthen ambulance safety standards and ensure better emergency medical support facilities in vehicles used for patient transport.
AIS-125 standards to become mandatory for road ambulances
According to the draft notification, all road ambulances under L and M vehicle categories manufactured on and after April 1, 2018, will be required to comply with AIS-125 (Part 1)-2014 standards, including any future amendments.
TRENDING NOW
Mandatory emergency and rescue equipment for certain ambulance types
The government has also proposed mandatory installation of emergency and rescue equipment in specific categories of ambulances. Under the draft rules, Type B, Type C and Type D ambulances belonging to the M category, manufactured after three months from the date of final notification, will have to be equipped with emergency and safety or rescue equipment as specified under AIS-125 standards.
New rules for electric ambulances
The proposed changes also introduce new provisions for electric ambulances. All pure electric road ambulances (E-Ambulances) manufactured on and after October 1, 2026, will be required to carry additional batteries dedicated to powering medical devices installed onboard.
The draft stated that the specifications of these additional batteries will be prescribed under AIS-125 standards and may be updated from time to time.
Public feedback and implementation process
The Ministry said the amendments are being introduced under powers granted by Section 110 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public within 30 days from the date the notification is made available.
The final rules will come into effect after publication in the Official Gazette following consideration of feedback received on the draft proposals.
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.
Shristi Rani
Shristi Rani
RECOMMENDED STORIES
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
