Ramban, 12-02-2025: The Traffic Police National Highway (NHW) has introduced a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the seamless movement of ambulances on the NHW, particularly in the Ramban sector. This initiative comes in the wake of Section 194-E of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates that all vehicles must yield to emergency service vehicles such as ambulances and fire tenders. The Act stipulates stringent penalties for non-compliance, including imprisonment for up to six months or a hefty fine of ₹10,000.
Recognizing the urgent need to minimize delays for emergency medical transport, the Traffic Police has laid out a structured mechanism for prioritizing ambulance movement. Traffic Supervisory Officers have been directed to strictly enforce these guidelines within their respective jurisdictions. The SOP underscores the necessity of swift and unhindered movement for ambulances, particularly those transporting critically ill patients, trauma victims, or deceased individuals.
A color-coded system has been devised to classify ambulance movements: red for critical patients, blue for non-critical cases, and black for deceased persons. This system will enable law enforcement and medical personnel to distinguish the urgency of each case, facilitating appropriate traffic interventions. Additionally, traffic officials are required to maintain constant communication regarding congestion points, potential alternative routes, and weather-related disruptions to streamline movement and avoid unnecessary delays.
Close coordination between Traffic Control Units (TCUs), Police Control Rooms (PCRs), Associated Police Control Rooms (APCRs), hospital authorities, and emergency services is emphasized to ensure the highest level of patient care during transit. The Traffic Control Units in Ramban and Udhampur have been tasked with maintaining real-time updates on road conditions and communicating directly with hospitals to provide necessary guidance for smooth ambulance movement.
The authorities have also made emergency contact numbers available for real-time traffic assistance and inquiries. The TCU Ramban can be reached at 9419993745 and 9906023617, while TCU Udhampur is accessible at 8491928625. Additionally, a toll-free helpline, 18001807043, has been provided to address any queries related to ambulance movement on NHW.
This SOP marks a significant step towards strengthening emergency response mechanisms on Jammu and Kashmir’s vital highway corridors. Given the region’s challenging terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and frequent traffic bottlenecks, the new protocol is expected to greatly enhance patient safety and emergency medical response efficiency. With strict enforcement and proper coordination, this initiative is poised to save precious lives by ensuring that ambulances reach their destinations without undue hindrance.