How Does Emergency Numbers Work in India?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Dial 112 for all emergencies — this single universal number (active since 2018) connects to police, ambulance, and fire services nationwide.
2What You Need to Know
India unified its emergency response under the single number 112 in 2018, which operates 24/7 across all states and union territories. Legacy numbers still function in most areas: 100 for police, 102 for ambulance, and 101 for fire. The 112 app also allows text and data-based emergency reporting, useful in areas with weak voice connectivity. English-speaking operators are generally available at 112. Tourist police helplines exist in major tourist destinations like Delhi (1363) and Rajasthan.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Save 112 in your phone immediately upon arrival — it works from any network including when roaming with no local SIM
- 2The 112 India mobile app allows location sharing with emergency services, which is critical in unfamiliar areas
- 3For non-urgent tourist assistance and complaints, contact India Tourism's helpline at 1800-11-1363 (toll-free)
How does this compare?
Emergency Numbers rules in nearby and similar countries:
Police: 110. Ambulance & Fire: 119. Tourist helpline (English): 050-3816-2787.
Tourist Police: 1155 (English spoken). Ambulance: 1669. Fire: 199. Regular Police: 191.
Police: 999. Ambulance & Fire: 995. Non-emergency police: 1800-255-0000. Singapore has extremely fast emergency response.
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