The Mrityunjoy 108 emergency ambulance service attended to 336 road traffic accident cases across Assam during the year-end period of December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, officials said on January 2. The data highlights sustained pressure on emergency medical services during peak travel days, including in and around Guwahati.
According to service records, 147 accident-related emergencies were handled on December 31, while the figure increased to 189 cases on January 1. Incidents were reported from all 33 districts of the state.
Mrityunjoy 108 ambulance service attended 336 road accident cases across Assam during December 31 and January 1, officials said. Of these, 189 cases were reported on New Year’s Day. Kamrup Rural, which surrounds Guwahati, was among the districts with the highest number of accident emergencies.
Guwahati and the surrounding districts are among the high-incidence areas
While district-wise data covered the entire state, areas connected to Greater Guwahati’s traffic corridor featured prominently. Kamrup Rural, which includes key entry and exit routes to the city, recorded 20 accident cases over the two-day period.
Other districts reporting high numbers included:
- Nagaon: 35 cases
- Hojai: 26 cases
- East Karbi Anglong: 17 cases
- Goalpara: 17 cases
- Dibrugarh: 14 cases
Officials said heavy year-end travel, night driving, and alcohol-related risk behaviour often contribute to accident spikes during this period.
Emergency operations amid disruptions
Despite challenges posed by protests and non-cooperation by a section of emergency medical technicians (EMTs), pilots, and emergency response officers (EROs), the service maintained operations across Assam.
To ensure uninterrupted ambulance movement, authorities deployed newly recruited local staff with support from district administrations and health departments. Officials said this arrangement helped prevent service breakdowns even during peak emergency hours.
December data shows sustained pressure on services
Service statistics for December 2025 indicate that Mrityunjoy 108 handled 23,631 emergency cases statewide, compared to 27,347 cases in November. On December 30, ambulances attended to 1,399 patients in a single day, the highest daily caseload recorded in the past two years.
Officials noted that Guwahati, as the state’s largest urban centre and a referral hub, consistently accounts for a significant share of emergency call volumes.
Faster response times reported
Authorities also reported an improvement in average response time from the ambulance base to the patient location. In December, response time reduced from 7 minutes 6 seconds to 6 minutes 2 seconds, following the induction of additional personnel.
Health officials said quicker response times are critical in urban areas like Guwahati, where traffic congestion often delays emergency movement.
Management rejects allegations, cites disciplinary action
Responding to allegations raised by sections of employees’ associations, service management termed the claims misleading. Officials stated that disciplinary action had been taken against over 1,100 staff members in recent months for violations, including:
- Absenteeism
- Case denial
- Drunken driving
- Late arrival
- Fuel theft
- Demanding money from patients
The management said these steps were necessary to maintain service integrity and public trust.
Why this matters for Guwahati
With Guwahati serving as Assam’s primary medical and transport hub, high accident volumes during peak periods put additional strain on emergency infrastructure. The year-end data underscores the need for stricter road safety enforcement, responsible driving, and continued strengthening of emergency response systems in and around the city.
What happens next
Health authorities said monitoring of response times and staffing levels will continue in 2026, with further operational adjustments planned to handle peak-demand periods more efficiently. Public awareness drives on road safety are also expected to be intensified ahead of major holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
The service attended 336 road accident cases across Assam on December 31 and January 1.
Yes. Kamrup Rural, which surrounds Guwahati, recorded 20 accident-related emergency cases, indicating high pressure on emergency services in the region.
