In a moment of crisis, whether it’s a medical emergency, a fire, or a situation requiring police assistance, having the right information at your fingertips can make all the difference. Knowing the correct emergency helpline numbers in India is crucial for every citizen. The government has made significant efforts to integrate and simplify these numbers to ensure a quick and effective response. This 2026 guide provides a complete and updated list of the most important national and specific emergency numbers you should know and save.
Quick Answer
The single, all-in-one emergency helpline number in India is 112. This number integrates Police (100), Fire (101), and Ambulance (108) services. For specific needs, other key numbers include 1090 for Women in Distress, 1098 for Childline, 1075 for the National Health Helpline, and 1930 for Cyber Crime Reporting.
The Power of 112: India’s All-in-One Emergency Number
To streamline emergency response across the country, the Indian government launched the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) with the single, unified number: 112. This number is designed to be a one-stop solution for all types of emergencies. When you dial 112, your call is directed to a centralized control room which then dispatches the relevant service—be it the police, fire brigade, or an ambulance—to your location. This system is GPS-enabled, allowing for quicker location tracking and a more efficient response. While the older, specific numbers like 100 and 101 are still functional in many areas, the government strongly encourages citizens to adopt 112 as the primary emergency helpline number in India.
Benefits of the Integrated 112 Helpline
The shift to a single emergency number offers several significant advantages for citizens.
- Simplicity: You only need to remember one number for any emergency, reducing confusion during a panic-stricken situation.
- Faster Response: Centralized dispatch and GPS tracking help emergency services reach the location faster.
- Multi-Service Coordination: In complex situations requiring more than one service (e.g., a road accident needing both police and an ambulance), the control room can coordinate the response seamlessly.
- Accessibility: The service is accessible via voice calls, SMS, and even through the ‘112 India’ mobile app, which has a special ‘SHOUT’ feature for alerting registered volunteers in the vicinity.
- Nationwide Coverage: It is designed to work across all states and union territories, providing a uniform emergency response system for everyone in India.
What happens when I dial 112?
When you dial 112, your call is received at a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) in your state’s capital. A trained operator will ask for the nature of your emergency and your location. The system also attempts to automatically detect your location. The operator will then immediately dispatch the required help—police, fire, or ambulance—and stay on the line with you if necessary.
Complete List of Important Helpline Numbers for 2026
While 112 is the primary number, it’s still useful to be aware of other specific national helplines.
| Service | Helpline Number | Purpose |
| All-in-One Emergency | 112 | For any emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
| Police | 100 / 112 | To report a crime or request police assistance |
| Fire and Rescue | 101 / 112 | To report a fire |
| Ambulance | 108 / 102 / 112 | For medical emergencies (102 for pregnancy-related) |
| Disaster Management | 1077 / 1070 | For natural disasters like floods, earthquakes |
| Women Helpline | 1091 / 181 | For women facing harassment or violence |
| Child Helpline | 1098 | For children in distress or needing protection |
| Senior Citizen Helpline | 14567 | For assistance and support for the elderly |
| National Health Helpline | 1075 | For health-related queries, including information on diseases |
| Cyber Crime Helpline | 1930 | To report online financial fraud and other cybercrimes |
| Railway Enquiry | 139 | For all train-related information and assistance |
| Anti-Corruption Helpline | 1031 | To report cases of bribery or corruption |
In addition to these, if you ever face issues with services you’ve paid for, remember you have rights. Learning how to file a consumer complaint online is another way to seek help in non-emergency situations.
Steps to Take When Calling an Emergency Number
To ensure you get help as quickly as possible, follow these steps when you make an emergency call:
- Stay Calm: Take a deep breath. Speak as clearly and calmly as you can.
- State Your Location First: The most critical piece of information is your exact location. Provide the address, nearby landmarks, or any details that can help the services find you.
- Explain the Emergency: Clearly state the nature of the emergency. For example, “There is a fire,” “There has been a car accident,” or “Someone has collapsed.”
- Provide Your Details: Give the operator your name and phone number so they can call you back if needed.
- Follow Instructions: The operator is trained to help. Listen to their instructions carefully. They might guide you on providing first aid or securing the area.
- Don’t Hang Up: Do not disconnect the call until the operator tells you to. They may need more information or need to keep the line open until help arrives.
Mistakes to Avoid with Emergency Helplines
- Making Prank Calls: Calling an emergency number as a joke is a serious offense. It wastes valuable resources and can delay help for someone in a genuine crisis.
- Not Knowing Your Location: Before you call, try to get a sense of your surroundings. In an unfamiliar place, look for street signs, shop names, or major landmarks.
- Providing Vague Information: Be as specific as possible. Instead of saying “Someone is hurt,” say “A person is unconscious and bleeding from the head.”
- Hesitating to Call: If you are unsure whether a situation qualifies as an emergency, it is always better to call and let the professionals decide. Do not delay.
What is the difference between 102 and 108 ambulance services?
The 108 service is a comprehensive emergency response service for any critical medical situation, such as accidents, heart attacks, or trauma. The 102 service, on the other hand, is specifically for pregnant women and sick infants, providing free transport to and from healthcare facilities.
Conclusion
Having a ready list of emergency helpline numbers in India for 2026 can be a lifesaver. While the universal number 112 is the most important one to remember, being aware of the specific helplines for issues like women’s safety or cybercrime is also crucial. Save these numbers in your phone, teach them to your family members, and remember the key steps to take when making an emergency call. Being prepared is the best way to ensure safety for yourself and those around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 112 a toll-free number?
Yes, 112 is a completely toll-free number. You can call it from any landline or mobile phone in India without any charge, even if your outgoing call service has been barred or you have no balance.
Can I call 112 without a SIM card in my phone?
Yes, regulations in India mandate that all mobile phones should be able to make emergency calls to 112 even without a SIM card or on a locked screen. This ensures that you can call for help from any available device in a crisis.
What is the 181 helpline number for?
The 181 helpline is a dedicated Women’s Helpline, also known as the Sakhi helpline. It provides 24/7 emergency and non-emergency response to women affected by violence, providing assistance, information, and connecting them with police, hospitals, or counseling services.
How does the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) work?
When you call 1930 to report online financial fraud, the helpline operators immediately alert the concerned banks, wallets, or merchants to block the fraudulent transaction. It acts as a quick-response system to prevent the money from being taken out by the fraudster.
Are these helpline numbers the same in every state in India?
Yes, numbers like 112, 100, 101, 108, 1098, and 1930 are national helpline numbers and are uniform across all states and union territories in India, making them easy to remember and use no matter where you are in the country.