108
Universal Emergency · India
108 is the India Universal Emergency emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Ministry of Home Affairs. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 108 — Universal Emergency in India
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ 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 108
- • 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.
🛡️ Traveling to India? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
Best for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travel. Flexible monthly subscription.
Best for standard holidays, adventure sports, hiking, and activity-filled trips.
ℹ️ We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
What is 108 in India?
108 is the official Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) emergency number in India. This number is operated by Ministry of Home Affairs and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 112 is the pan-India unified emergency number. Connects to police, ambulance, fire, and disaster management. Accessible without SIM card. The 112 India mobile app sends GPS location. Operators speak Hindi and English; regional languages also supported.
When to Call 108
Call 108 immediately in situations involving universal emergency-related emergencies in India. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 108 in India
Here are the key technical facts about calling 108 in India:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: Yes — you can call even without a SIM card installed.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Ministry of Home Affairs
How to Call 108 from Abroad
If you are calling 108 from outside India, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +91 followed by 108 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within India, simply dialing 108 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS). The universal number 112 is also active across India and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in India
Besides 108 (Emergency Response Support System (ERSS)), India has the following emergency services available: 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. Save all these numbers before traveling to India.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 108 is listed as the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) emergency line for India based on data from Ministry of Home Affairs. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 108 (India)
What is 108 in India? ▼
108 is the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) emergency number in India. 112 is the pan-India unified emergency number. Connects to police, ambulance, fire, and disaster management. Accessible without SIM card. The 112 India mobile app sends GPS location. Operators speak Hindi and English; regional languages also supported.
Can I call 108 without a SIM card in India? ▼
Yes, you can dial 108 in India without a SIM card on a GSM phone.
Is calling 108 free in India? ▼
Yes, calling 108 is completely free in India. No airtime credit needed.
Does 108 work from mobile in India? ▼
Yes, 108 works from all mobile phones in India.
Who do I reach when I call 108 in India? ▼
Calling 108 in India connects you to Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) (Ministry of Home Affairs), available 24/7.
What is the source for 108 being the Universal Emergency number in India? ▼
Verified from Ministry of Home Affairs: https://www.mha.gov.in/. Last verified: 2026-01.
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.