3 weeks ago
Andhra Pradesh launches upgraded Thalli Bidda Express vehicles for mothers
In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, the government is getting new special vehicles to help mothers and newborn babies travel safely.
The vehicles are called "Thalli Bidda Express," which means "mother and child."
Moms who give birth in government hospitals can ride home in these vehicles for free.
They can bring up to two helpers with them.
The new vehicles are air-conditioned and have many safety features like airbags, seat belts and special doors.
Inside, there are buttons to call for help in an emergency, and GPS so staff always know where each vehicle is.
The cars even have a special audio system that gives advice on taking care of babies.
The government wants to make sure fewer mothers and babies get sick or die during travel.
There will be 500 of these vehicles, and the first 300 are being launched soon.
People across the state can call the free number 102 to use this service.
Andhra Pradesh is rolling out 500 new-generation '102 Thalli Bidda Express' mother-and-child vehicles, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
The upgraded air-conditioned SUVs/MUVs feature six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, reverse parking sensors, child-lock doors and speed alerts beyond 80 kmph.
Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav will formally launch the first 300 vehicles at Narasaraopet on Tuesday, with 200 more to follow.
The free service carries mothers after delivery in government hospitals along with up to two attendants and offers special pick-up for high-risk pregnancies.
During 2025-26 the 102 service handled 2,05,914 trips, and a budget of Rs 37.40 crore has been proposed for 2026-27.
Each vehicle has an emergency SOS button linked to the 102 call centre, live GPS tracking, AIS-140 compliant NavIC satellite coverage and a temperature-controlled AC system for newborns.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh government, under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's directions, with Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav launching the fleet; the service is operated by the VVF-STT consortium (Vidyaved Foundation and Srinivasa Tours and Travels).
- What
- The rollout and formal launch of upgraded '102 Thalli Bidda Express' vehicles equipped with advanced safety, comfort and GPS tracking features for transporting mothers and newborns.
- Where
- Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh, with vehicles allocated across districts based on institutional delivery numbers.
- When
- The formal launch is scheduled for Tuesday at Narasaraopet; the service recently handled 2,05,914 trips during 2025-26.
- Why
- To reduce maternal and infant mortality by ensuring safe transportation after delivery, improving postnatal care and providing timely transport for high-risk pregnant women.
Key facts
- Total vehicles
- 500 (300 in first phase, 200 later)
- Proposed budget (2026-27)
- Rs 37.40 crore
- Trips handled (2025-26)
- 2,05,914 total (1,65,093 post-delivery drop-backs; 40,821 high-risk pregnant women)
- Operator
- VVF-STT consortium (Vidyaved Foundation and Srinivasa Tours and Travels)
- Access number
- Toll-free 102
- Launch venue
- Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh
- Key safety features
- Six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, child-lock doors, SOS button, live GPS, NavIC navigation
- Main objective
- Reduce maternal and infant mortality through safe postnatal transport
Sources
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