Gujarat 108 ambulance service on high alert for Diwali surge
Emergency medical services forecast more than 6,000 incidents per day between 8 and 11 November 2026.
Gujarat’s 108 Emergency Medical Services has placed its statewide ambulance network on high alert for the Diwali period, according to Urban Acres. The service expects a sharp rise in emergency cases between 8 and 11 November 2026, with more than 6,000 incidents projected for each of the three key festival days.
On Diwali, 8 November, the service anticipates 6,111 cases, which is a 16.44 per cent increase over the daily average of 5,248. The forecast rises to 6,776 cases on New Year’s Day, 10 November, and 6,453 cases on Bhai Beej, 11 November.
Road accidents are expected to drive much of this demand, with two-wheeler incidents likely making up the largest portion. Vehicle accident projections include 1,216 cases on Diwali, 1,556 on New Year’s Day, and 1,016 on Bhai Beej, compared to a normal daily average of 646.
Burn-related emergencies are also forecast to climb, with 73 cases expected on Diwali against a normal average of 11. Physical assault cases are projected to reach 567 on Diwali and 570 on New Year’s Day, up from a daily average of 204.
To manage the surge, the service has prepared 1,494 ambulances and implemented a zero-leave arrangement for staff. Field staff have been stationed at hospitals, medicines have been stocked, and ambulances have undergone pre-service checks.
The chief operating officer of the 108 service advised residents to be cautious with driving, fireworks, and food. High demand is expected between noon and 11 pm, specifically from 8 pm to 11 pm on Diwali and from midnight to 5 am.