The Karnataka government has announced plans to introduce dedicated ambulances for passengers of Namma Metro, Bengaluru's rapid transit system. The initiative aims to improve emergency medical response for commuters across the network.
Announcement by Transport Minister
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy made the announcement during a review meeting of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). He stated that the ambulances will be stationed at key metro stations to ensure quick access in case of medical emergencies.
Reddy also directed officials to finalize the deployment plan within two months, including the number of ambulances and their placement across the 66.5-kilometer metro network, which serves over 500,000 passengers daily.
Additional Demands and Requests
During the meeting, the minister also addressed other pressing issues. He requested an increase in the monthly honorarium of ASHA workers from the existing Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000, citing their critical role in community health. This demand, however, is subject to approval by the state finance department.
Furthermore, Reddy emphasized the need for better coordination between BMTC and BMRCL to provide seamless last-mile connectivity for metro users. He suggested integrating bus schedules with metro timings and increasing the frequency of feeder buses during peak hours.
Impact on Commuters
The introduction of dedicated ambulances is expected to significantly reduce response times during medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrests or accidents, which have occurred on the metro in the past. Currently, emergency services rely on general ambulances that may be delayed by traffic. The dedicated fleet will have priority access through designated routes.
According to BMRCL data, the metro records an average of two to three medical incidents per week, ranging from minor injuries to serious conditions. The new service aims to provide immediate on-site assistance and rapid transport to nearby hospitals.
