Pune: Ambulance Help Riders Turn Lifesavers For Accident Victims Across Maharashtra
Pune: Ambulance Help Riders Turn Lifesavers For Accident Victims Across Maharashtra
Pune, January 19, 2026: With the aim of giving back to society and ensuring that at least one life can be saved through timely help, the Ambulance Help Riders movement has emerged as a lifesaver for many across Maharashtra. The initiative focuses on clearing traffic for ambulances stuck on busy roads, ensuring accident victims are rushed to hospitals in time, and responding swiftly during emergencies.
Launched in Pune in 2018, the Ambulance Help Riders movement has now entered its seventh year and has played a crucial role in saving the lives of more than 1,200 people so far. At present, over 3,000 volunteers are actively working as Help Riders across Maharashtra. The movement, which began in Pune, has expanded to cities such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Karad, Sangli, Satara, and is now rapidly growing in Mumbai as well.
The inspiration behind the initiative came from two heart-wrenching incidents in Maharashtra. In Kolhapur, a 10-year-old boy lost his life after an ambulance stuck in traffic failed to reach the hospital on time, and the child died in his father’s arms. Another incident occurred in Pune when the son of then Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao met with an accident while cycling in the Pashan area and did not receive any help for nearly half an hour. Eventually, an Ola driver rushed him to the hospital, averting a serious outcome.
These incidents highlighted the urgent need for immediate assistance on roads, leading to the birth of the Help Riders movement. The organisation’s president, Prashant Kanojia, said the initiative was started in 2018 with the sole objective of saving lives. So far, between 1,000 and 1,200 patients have been successfully taken to hospitals on time.
Explaining how the Help Riders operate, Balasaheb Dhamale said that whenever an ambulance is spotted, motorists are urged to move their vehicles to the left and help clear the way. Volunteers coordinate at congested locations to ensure smooth passage for ambulances. He stressed that every life—human, animal, or bird—is valuable.
Driven entirely by volunteers and supported by citizens, the Ambulance Help Riders movement continues to work tirelessly for society, reinforcing the belief that even a few minutes of help on the road can save an entire lifetime.
Help Riders can be contacted on 9850523999.
