New 300 ‘Thalli Bidda Express’ Vehicles Launched in AP

Andhra Pradesh has launched a new fleet of advanced vehicles to provide safer and more comfortable transportation for mothers and newborns after childbirth, with the government focusing on timely mobility as an important part of maternal and infant care.

Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, Narasaraopet MLA Dr Chadalavada Aravind Babu and Palnadu District Collector Kritika Shukla launched the first batch of 300 ‘Thalli Bidda Express’ vehicles at the Narasaraopet Area Hospital on Tuesday.

The State Government is procuring 500 vehicles under the initiative, with the remaining 200 scheduled to be introduced within two months. Officials said the vehicles would be allocated across districts based on the number of deliveries recorded in each area, allowing the fleet to be deployed according to demand.

The air-conditioned SUV/MUV-type vehicles have been equipped with several safety features, including six airbags, seat belts, child-lock sliding doors, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control and reverse parking sensors. A speed-alert system warns drivers when the vehicle crosses 80 kmph. Footrests and handrails have been provided to make boarding easier for pregnant women and new mothers.

The vehicles also incorporate technology aimed at improving safety and monitoring. They feature live GPS tracking, AIS-140-compliant systems, NavIC-GPS dual-satellite connectivity, dual-SIM 4G connectivity and offline data storage. Backup batteries, mobile charging ports and first-aid kits are also available. An SOS button enables passengers to send emergency alerts directly to the 102 call centre.

Air-conditioning has been designed to maintain a suitable environment for newborns, while an onboard audio system will provide mothers with information on breastfeeding, newborn care, nutrition, vaccination and postnatal precautions.

Free drop-back services will be available to mothers and newborns who deliver at government hospitals, with two attendants permitted to accompany them. Special pick-up and drop-back facilities will be extended to high-risk pregnant women and those requiring blood transfusions due to severe anaemia.

The service can be accessed through the toll-free 102 helpline from anywhere in Andhra Pradesh. The government has allocated ₹37.40 crore in the 2026–27 Budget for the programme.

Satyakumar said the initiative would help reduce maternal and infant mortality, strengthen postnatal care and ensure timely transportation for high-risk pregnancies. He also announced plans to recruit women drivers for the new fleet.

Aravind Babu sought the upgradation of Lingamguntla Area Hospital into a district hospital, citing its daily outpatient load of 700 to 1,000 patients. He also sought funds for an MCH block, operation theatre, CT scan facility and radiologist.

Health Commissioner Chakradhar Babu said Palnadu would work towards eliminating maternal deaths by identifying high-risk pregnancies early and preparing appropriate care plans. Hospital Superintendent Dr Satish Babu said outpatient numbers at the facility had risen by 28% this year.