Mumbai: A new low-cost train ambulance service is set to launch, offering transportation for patients between states or regions. This service caters to individuals who require medical transport but find air ambulance costs prohibitive and road ambulance options unsuitable.

Shaju Kumar, a Kerala native and CEO of the Bengaluru-based Aeromed Company, which provides train ambulance services, explained that patients can book a coupe (a four-seater) on trains equipped with ventilators and other intensive care systems. Doctor's services are included in the package. This journey requires prior planning, as railway tickets need to be booked in advance.

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"The company offers both air ambulance and train ambulance services, with options for ICU and mini ICU setups. The mini ICU service, which does not require a doctor, offers reduced costs. Along with the patient, a medical attendant, two relatives, and a doctor can travel, necessitating four tickets," said Shaju Kumar.

Patients are transported from hospitals or homes to the railway station by road, where they board the ambulance train. Upon arrival at the destination railway station, they are transported by road to their hospital or home.

Transporting a patient from Mumbai or Delhi to Kerala costs approximately Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh by train, significantly lower than the Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh cost by air. Chartered flights are typically used for air ambulance services, including those by private airlines.

Train ambulance tickets are booked in Second AC and First AC coaches through Tatkal or VIP quotas, subject to availability.