Maharashtra government has proposed deploying helicopter-based air ambulances on major highways to provide faster medical treatment to victims of serious road accidents and other medical emergencies. The service is intended to support treatment during the critical first hour after an incident, commonly referred to as the golden hour. Arrangements are being planned for the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg, Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa Highway. The air ambulance service is scheduled to launch at the beginning of the new year. The government plans to prepare and secure approval for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by November 15, after which the tendering process will begin with the approval of a high-powered committee. The SOP will set out procedures for deployment and coordination. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the initiative would focus on moving accident victims quickly to trauma care centres, where timely intervention can improve their chances of recovery. The plan includes identifying suitable trauma care centres, preparing a panel of service providers and making financial provisions through the Road Safety Fund. It also calls for protocols covering the safe transport of injured people. The meeting on the proposal was attended by Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam and senior officials from the departments concerned. The Transport Department, Health Department and police administration will work jointly on the SOP and emergency response framework. The system will also require coordination among multiple agencies involved in responding to highway incidents. State officials said approximately 15,000 road accidents occur in Maharashtra each year, with timely treatment remaining a challenge in many cases. Serious crashes, traffic congestion, long distances to hospitals and limited emergency medical facilities can delay access to care. The government is seeking to strengthen the highway trauma network and reduce fatalities by combining modern technology with faster emergency medical services, while continuing efforts to prevent accidents.