108 service to expand in Uttarakhand

As part of its expansion plan, the emergency “Dial 108” service being run by infrastructure major GVK in partnership with the Uttarakhand government, would shortly add 18 new vehicles to its fleet to provide better medical facilities to the 60 million pilgrims expected to arrive at the Maha Kumbh in Haridwar.

“We are adding 18 more vehicles in our fleet to strengthen medical facilities during the Maha Kumbh mela in Haridwar early next year,” said head of the service in Uttarakhand, Anoop Nautiyal. Currently, the 108 service has a strength of 90 ambulances, all procured from Force Motors company.

The new 18 vehicles would also be from Force Motors which quoted the lowest price during the bidding process, Nautiyal said. Other companies which also applied in the bidding include Swaraj Mazda and Tata Motors.

In addition to this, 42 more vehicles would be added in the next financial year to take the total strength to 150.