# NHAI sets 10-minute response time for highway ambulances

2026-08-13T09:51:16+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

NHAI has ordered ambulances on national highways to reach accident sites within a 10-km radius in 10 minutes from ticket acceptance, failing which a Rs 10,000 penalty will apply per incident. The victim must be taken to the nearest hospital within one hour, also under a Rs 10,000 penalty. The rules, issued on Wednesday, cover around 3,000 ambulances and 1,000 patrolling vehicles across 50,000 km of highways. GPS devices and an IMS dashboard will track compliance. Helpline 1033 is operational. Delays in response had been flagged by the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety and a CAG audit, NHAI said.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/nhai-sets-10-minute-response-time-for-highway-ambulances-rs-10-000-penalty-for-delay-101786611597022.html>
- indiatoday.in <https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nhai-ambulance-rules-10-minute-highway-response-one-hour-hospital-deadline-ptag-2970248-2026-08-13?utm_source=rss>

Tags: ambulances, emergency response, national highways, NHAI, penalty, road safety
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