To strengthen India’s preparedness against future pandemics and improve diagnostic access in remote regions, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated the procurement process for two additional mobile BSL-3 laboratories. These advanced mobile labs are designed to quickly respond to outbreaks of dangerous infectious diseases by conducting high-containment diagnostic testing on-site.
Currently, two mobile BSL-3 labs, named ‘Ramban’, are operational—one at NIV Pune and the other at RMRIMS Gorakhpur. Developed entirely indigenously, Ramban is the first-of-its-kind Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Lab built on a Benz BS-6 vehicle chassis with a payload capacity of 17,000 kg. It can function efficiently even under extreme temperatures and high-altitude conditions.
Developed by Klenzaids Contamination Control Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, these labs are equipped to handle BSL-3 level pathogens. Ramban was successfully deployed in Kozhikode, Kerala, during the Nipah virus outbreak in September 2023, and again in Malappuram in July 2024.
The mobile lab includes:
- A four-zone layout for containment and safety:
- Driver and external change room
- Shower and internal change room
- Core laboratory area
- Decontamination zone
- Negative air pressure environment
- Advanced HVAC system
- Waste management equipment
- Dual power sources (diesel generator and petrol backup)
- Communication tools including walkie-talkies and CCTV
These mobile BSL-3 labs will significantly boost India’s field response capabilities during health crises, allowing for rapid deployment to infection hotspots and ensuring timely diagnostic support.
