Are you searching for “Which is the best option for long distance transportation Train Ambulance Service in Patna or Air Ambulance Service in Patna to transfer your patient for advance medical treatment for surgery or operation?” I can understand your situation, I know how difficult the situation is.
Did you know, 60% of the families travel from Remote areas to metro cities for avail better healthcare facilities? Yes, It’s true. I know the healthcare infrastructure in Patna is good, but there is still a lack of either experienced doctors, or high-tech medical equipment for advanced surgeries. And you are facing this situation too.
I know it’s confusing to know which is the best way to transport your patient from one city to another. You are not alone because it’s happen with most of the cases. Well, in this blog, we’ll cover everything about which option you should choose, “Train Ambulance or Air Ambulance.” Let’s start.
What is Train Ambulance?
You might be familiar with the word Ambulance. Isn’t it? So, What’s come in your mind when you heard the word “Ambulance”? Might be a Van with Siren. Right? You might be thinking Does Train Ambulance exists? Isn’t it?
Well let me clear you that there is nothing like train ambulance. Basically, Train Ambulance is a concept which is used widely. It’s a service by ambulance service provider.
What they do is, they book a whole compartment either in 1st Ac Class or 2nd Ac Class and convert it like a Mobile ICU. They have their own medical team like Doctors or EMTs who take care of your patient through the journey and let you reach at your desired location with comfort and safety.
What is an Air Ambulance?
Air ambulance is similar to train ambulance, but in place of train, helicopter is widely used, which is equipped with ICU medical equipment. So, when your patient is critical and need medical attention immediately then Air Ambulance might a great option. But Air Ambulance comes with higher price tag and that’s a reason many of us can’t afford it.
Which is the best Option to Choose?
See, Both Train Ambulance and Air Ambulance are the best when it comes to long distance medical transportation. But here is the twist. When a medical emergency strikes, every second counts — and so does the right mode of transport. While both air ambulances and train ambulances are designed to save lives, they operate under very different conditions and serve different needs.
Here’s a breakdown of how they compare in real-life scenarios.
1. Air ambulances: To begin with, the mode of transport is the most obvious difference. Air ambulances involve the use of helicopters or specially equipped fixed-wing aircraft, soaring above traffic and terrain to reach destinations rapidly.
Train Ambulance: In contrast, train ambulances make use of modified Indian Railways coaches — usually 1st or 2nd AC — transformed into mobile ICUs with all essential medical facilities.
2. Air ambulances: When it comes to speed, air ambulances are unmatched. They can cover thousands of kilometers in a matter of hours, making them the top choice for critical emergencies such as cardiac arrests, strokes, or trauma cases.
Train Ambulance: On the other hand, train ambulances take more time, but are still quite efficient — especially for long intercity travel across 500 to 2,000 kilometers. They are ideal when the condition is serious but stable.
3. Air ambulances: In terms of medical equipment, both options are surprisingly similar. Each comes equipped with an ICU setup that includes a ventilator, oxygen cylinders, suction machines, defibrillators, cardiac monitors, and emergency medication kits.
Train Ambulance: The difference lies more in space and accessibility: train ambulances provide a roomier environment, often making the patient’s journey more comfortable.
4. The presence of a dedicated medical team — including a critical care doctor and trained nurse or paramedic — is a given in both services.
These professionals ensure that the patient receives continuous monitoring, IV drips, oxygen therapy, and emergency intervention if required. In both services, the patient never travels alone or without care.
5. Air ambulances: One of the most appreciated similarities is the bed-to-bed transfer feature. Whether it’s an air ambulance or train ambulance, patients are picked up directly from the hospital or home and transported to the destination hospital with the help of road ambulances at both ends.
Families don’t have to arrange any additional transport — it’s all taken care of.
6. However, availability is an area where train ambulances shine. While air ambulances require access to nearby airports and have limited fleet availability, train ambulances can be arranged on short notice from most cities with a major railway station — including places without airports.
7. Air ambulances: Now let’s talk about time. Air ambulances, if available, can be mobilized in just 4 to 6 hours.
Train Ambulance: Train ambulances typically require a bit more time — usually 12 to 24 hours — as they depend on Indian Railway schedules, high-priority ticket booking, and ICU setup inside the train.
8. Air ambulances: When it comes to cost, there’s a huge difference. Air ambulances are often prohibitively expensive for middle-class families, with prices ranging from ₹5 to ₹10 lakhs or more depending on the distance and aircraft type.
Train Ambulance: Train ambulances, on the other hand, cost a fraction of that — typically between ₹60,000 and ₹1.5 lakhs — making them a much more affordable yet medically safe choice for long-distance transfers.
9. Air ambulances: As for suitability, air ambulances are recommended when time is absolutely critical — such as in the case of head injuries, heart attacks, or organ transport.
Train Ambulance: Train ambulances are better suited for patients who are stable but require continuous monitoring — such as cancer patients, post-operative cases, or those needing neurological or dialysis care.
10. Air ambulances: Coverage is another deciding factor. Air ambulances can only operate between cities with functional airports and good weather conditions.
Train Ambulance: Train ambulances, however, can be arranged across almost any part of India, thanks to the vast railway network.
11. Air ambulances: Let’s not forget about comfort. Aircraft cabins, especially in smaller planes, can be cramped and noisy. Trains offer a more relaxed and stable ride with less vibration, more room for the patient to lie down comfortably, and space for family members to travel along.
Train Ambulance: In fact, train ambulances often allow one or even two attendants depending on coach availability, while air ambulances usually restrict it to just one due to space constraints.
12. Air ambulances: Lastly, the ticketing and fare system differs significantly. Air ambulances operate on a charter model, so there’s no standard booking platform or fare — everything is customized.
Train Ambulance: In contrast, train ambulances depend on emergency or Tatkal ticket quotas provided by Indian Railways, making the process more predictable and often faster once initiated.