India Ambulance Number: 108
+91 · National Ambulance Service
The ambulance emergency number in India is 108. Operated by National Health Mission. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
National Ambulance Service
India · Ambulance
📝 Ambulance and emergency medical services via 108. Also reachable via 112. Response best in major cities. Private ambulance services also widely available.
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📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in India
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Ambulance
- • Do not call 112 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 108 for minor ailments - visit a local clinic or pharmacy
- • Do not make prank calls to emergency numbers - punishable under Indian law
- • Do not call emergency numbers for electricity outages - contact the local power company
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or traffic information
✈️ Travel Notes — India
Emergency response varies significantly by region. Major cities have reasonable emergency services. Rural areas may have significant delays. Private ambulance services are widely available and may be faster than public services. Private hospitals in major cities offer excellent emergency care. The 112 India app provides GPS location.
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Ambulance Emergency Service in India — Complete Guide
When traveling to India or living there as an expat, knowing the correct ambulance number in India is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for ambulance services in India is 108, which is operated and monitored by National Health Mission. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 108. Also reachable via 112. Response best in major cities. Private ambulance services also widely available.
How to Dial 108 in India
To reach the National Ambulance Service in India, dial 108 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in India. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within India using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 108 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in India from an international location, the country calling code is +91.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in India communicate primarily in hi, en. If you do not speak hi, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 108
When you call the ambulance number in India, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at National Health Mission. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (ambulance assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in India
Please note that India utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Ambulance (108), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) (112), Police (100), National Ambulance Service (108), Fire and Rescue Service (101), National Women Helpline (1091), Childline India (1098), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) (1078). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across India and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 108 is verified against official directories published by National Health Mission. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ambulance in India
What is the Ambulance number in India? ▼
The Ambulance emergency number in India is 108. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 108. Also reachable via 112. Response best in major cities. Private ambulance services also widely available.
Does 108 work from mobile in India? ▼
Yes, 108 works from all mobile phones in India.
Can I call 108 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 108 free in India? ▼
Yes, calling 108 is free in India. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Ambulance in India? ▼
The Ambulance service in India is operated by National Health Mission. Source: https://www.ndma.gov.in/
Does 112 replace 100, 101, and 108 in India? ▼
112 is the unified emergency number (ERSS) that connects to all services. Traditional numbers remain active. Both systems work.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card in India? ▼
Yes. 112 can be dialed without a SIM card from any mobile phone. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in India? ▼
Yes. All calls to 100, 101, 108, and 112 are free of charge.
Do emergency operators speak English in India? ▼
Yes. English is an official language and 112 operators handle calls in Hindi, English, and regional languages.
What is the women's helpline in India? ▼
1091 is the national women's helpline for domestic violence, harassment, and abuse. Also reachable via 112.