A clear comparison: the free government 108 vs a transparent-priced private ambulance. What each is best for, and what each really costs.
| Ambulance | First 5 km | Then | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini BLS | ₹700 | ₹30/km | Basic patient transport, trained attendant |
| BLS | ₹1,000 | ₹50/km | Emergency response, EMT crew, oxygen & monitoring |
| ALS | ₹1,700 | ₹125/km | Advanced life support: paramedic, cardiac monitor, defibrillator |
Metered per km after the first 5 km, like a taxi. No surge, no oxygen or waiting surcharge. Exact fare shown before you confirm.
Call +91 87222 51178Book & see your fareIn July 2025 Karnataka's Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced private ambulances would be regulated under the KPME Act with government-set fares, after repeated overcharging complaints. The Lokayukta ordered a probe into private-ambulance exploitation at Victoria Hospital.
108 is free and government-run for emergencies but can be busy. Private ambulances offer scheduled bookings, choice of tier and live tracking — Namma Ambulance adds fixed, transparent fares.
When 108 is delayed or you need a planned/critical transfer, yes — provided the price is fair. Namma's published fares mean no negotiation and no overcharging.
108 is free but limited. Among private options, a fixed published fare like Namma's protects you from the ₹6,800-for-4km type overcharging seen in Bangalore.