[TusharK]

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have introduced a specially developed ambulance based on a Royal Enfield Classic motorcycle called Rakshita.



The bike has been developed keeping in mind the specific needs of security personnel, especially those posted in Maoist zones, and is equipped to evacuate and attend to the injured.



The bikes would be able to reach those in need of urgent medical attention faster, as there have been instances where medical personnel couldn’t reach critical patients on time due to narrow roads in Maoist zones.

[aargee]

My first reaction - Oh! my holy God!!


And then thinking about the brains behind such a design

[saikarthik]

All the limelight goes to the corporates and it hurts a lot to see individuals who come up with such ingenious ideas are left behind in the dust.

This is not a new idea, I read about a man who became first responder in villages where there were no ambulance services and after loss of his dear one due to unavailability of ambulance service. Sadly I am unable to find the link to that article.

And even before this, Hero had launched such project and donated 60 bikes earlier in 2020 with better equipment for civilian use but on underpowered bikes. I understand the DRDO and CRPF specific needs and narrower road/field application of this is different from the previous ones, but we should not forget the seeds after looking at the plants.

https://www.rushlane.com/hero-motorc...-12368125.html

[InsaneSpeed]

This is absolutely ridiculous!! The brains at DRDO can do only so much. Really surprised! Our soldiers deserve something better than this. Atleast the so called ambulance could have been a 3 wheeler. Its going to be very difficult for the rider to maintain the balance and the speed. How are the defense authorities even allowing such vehicles?

[pranavtengshe]

This must be for densely forested trails where sides by sides wont work

[SmartCat]

Originally Posted by InsaneSpeed

This is absolutely ridiculous!! The brains at DRDO can do only so much. Really surprised! Our soldiers deserve something better than this. Atleast the so called ambulance could have been a 3 wheeler. Its going to be very difficult for the rider to maintain the balance and the speed. How are the defense authorities even allowing such vehicles?

There is a background story behind this - you have to understand the context here:

Remember that this is Maoist infested jungles where IEDs are used frequently. Even mine resistant vehicles don't help much, because Maoists just use more explosives to blow up the vehicle. One innovative strategy adopted by CRPF is to use bike-borne armed personnel for patrolling. The bikes patrol in a single line with some distance kept in-between them.



So, in one clean stroke, CRPF has eliminated the IED problem - because the Maoists will not bother to blow up a bridge or culvert if they know that they cannot inflict huge casualties.

The DRDO developed bike ambulance helps in shifting casualties to nearest medical center quickly when they go on bike patrol.

[playingpossum]

Originally Posted by saikarthik

And even before this, Hero had launched such project and donated 60 bikes earlier in 2020 with better equipment for civilian use but on underpowered bikes.

That looks like a better design.

A sidecar is much better suited for this role - probably more stable as well.



Is the marginally narrower setup really worth it? Something like the Ural above would probably work on most of the roads and with 2WD probably over rougher terrain.

If they'd atleast made a tricycle setup with 2WD - I would have been impressed. Instead they've strapped a chair to the back of the Classic and called it a day.

Originally Posted by SmartCat

So, in one clean stroke, CRPF has eliminated the IED problem - because the Maoists will not bother to blow up a bridge or culvert if they know that they cannot inflict huge casualties.

The DRDO developed bike ambulance helps in shifting casualties to nearest medical center quickly when they go on bike patrol.

Is there a reason why it has to be a 2 wheeler - and not a sidecar setup ? The design doesn't look too stable to me?

[Tucker48]

This is how Indian manufacturers spend on CSR. Instead they should work on autonomous air ambulance for short range. I think even 50 km range by air is enough for the closest road. I might be expecting too much considering the number of permissions and clearance required for such a vehicle leaving aside the technicals required for such an ambulance.
But nothing is evolutionary or revolutionary in these bike ambulances. Anyways they will have to modify the bike to make it work. It's not plug n play kind of thing. Better to have capable autos (like 3x3) to serve the purpose (just a wild thought).

[aargee]

Originally Posted by SmartCat

So, in one clean stroke, CRPF has eliminated the IED problem - because the Maoists will not bother to blow up a bridge or culvert if they know that they cannot inflict huge casualties

Boss, your's & Army's insight are very rationale; all we're saying is, Army could've got a better design that's all. No, we're not even complaining even RE's rattles, a better mode of transportation that's all.

If you observe the last picture, it's a healthy person posing as a patient; if it's a remote area in real life, it may not be even possible for him to sit; and imagine the the single bike rider (ambulance) has to manage the patient as well as the chair he's sitting. I'm in a fix whether to fasten the seat on to RE & then mount the patient & while doing so, will the bike slip off

Anyway, I'm not judging, just saying something could've been done better; if the bike can have protrusion both the ways, one side may be better & more comfortable

[gthang]

Hope there is understanding that these might primarily be used for injured personnel rather than sick patients.
Post injury body movement has to be very careful and contorting into a sidecar might not be the best thing to do.
Lowest possible lift with restraining strecher as shown seems to be an excellent solution. A well secured load should not be too difficult for our trained soldier riders. Perhaps a daunting task for the average Joe, but so are a lot of things that they have to go through.
Three wheelers increase the footprint and negotiating mine and IED ridden roads become harder.
To think that medical personnel and others would not be involved in the design is condescending.

Cheers.

Ride Safe.

[Lowflyer23]

Originally Posted by aargee

Boss, your's & Army's insight are very rationale; all we're saying is, Army could've got a better design that's all. No, we're not even complaining even RE's rattles, a better mode of transportation that's all.

Firstly CRPF security and Indian Army are two separate organisations. No offense to anyone but it pains to read some members posting comments like "why do the army allow all this?", not realising that the decision for the same sadly doesn't lie in the Army's hands. Those who know what I mean will very well understand without blaming the Army/CRPF.

[SmartCat]

Originally Posted by playingpossum

Is there a reason why it has to be a 2 wheeler - and not a sidecar setup ? The design doesn't look too stable to me?

Originally Posted by aargee

Boss, your's & Army's insight are very rationale; all we're saying is, Army could've got a better design that's all. No, we're not even complaining even RE's rattles, a better mode of transportation that's all.

Looks like these bikes are used to get to inaccessible (no roads) villages inside the jungles too. Since they have used this weird setup, we have to assume that sidecar + bike will not be able to make it on such terrain.

CRPF bike brigade does the magic in Maoist corridor
https://www.deccanherald.com/content...oes-magic.html

the forces had taken a leaf straight out of the ultras' operation manual. the Leftwing ultras often used motorcycles to escape through forested corridor which was their known gateway.

it was also impossible to reach villages situated deep inside the forests even by police jeep,”

[honeybee]

I am simply amazed at how easily we, the keyboard warriors, dismiss and frown upon the efforts of some to make a difference, albeit not as big as to impress us, without caring for the thought that the decision makers would probably have thought of these and many other factors before finalising the design.

This might not be perfect, it might not be ideal, but it's certainly better than having to carry the injured on one's back, or worse still, leave them there to die.

[amvj]

With due respect to the army personnel, many things in this country need to be banned in association with Royal Enfield motorcycles. One is the above weird looking ambulance thing and the second is these circus things doing rounds in republic day. There is nothing cringe worthy than inviting some foreign delegation and showing some weird stunts.

[tharian]

Originally Posted by amvj

With due respect to the army personnel, many things in this country need to be banned in association with Royal Enfield motorcycles. One is the above weird looking ambulance thing and the second is these circus things doing rounds in republic day. There is nothing cringe worthy than inviting some foreign delegation and showing some weird stunts.

I wouldn't say this is a stunt, It is something that the defiance forces are proud of and it needs a lot of co-ordination, concentration and planning. Something not all of us can do.
Keeping the bike aside, let us instead appreciate them for what they do to showcase their team work and strength.

Coming to the bike, RE has been the choice for many years for such activities. It is no wonder that this bike was chosen for the purpose of an ambulance as in the first post.