Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Andhra Tribal Woman Carried 11 Kilometres Amid Road Crisis
Korrabu Padma became sick in a remote village in Andhra Pradesh.
An ambulance could not reach her because the road was in very poor condition.
Her family and other villagers carried her on a cot for about 11 kilometres.
They took her to a place where an ambulance could meet them.
The ambulance then carried her to a hospital.
Villagers want the government to build a proper paved road.
The government says it is improving roads and medical services in tribal areas.
It has also started using drones to carry medicines and medical samples.
Officials say these efforts are helping patients reach healthcare more quickly.
Korrabu Padma was carried nearly 11 kilometres on a cot after vehicles could not reach her village.
Villagers said the road from Marripakalu to Palakajeedi has rocks, potholes, mud, curves and uneven stretches.
Padma was taken by ambulance to Y Ramavaram Area Hospital after reaching Palakajeedi.
Residents said the road problem has continued for decades and worsens during the rainy season.
The government cites road projects, emergency services and drone medical transport as efforts to improve tribal healthcare access.
- Who
- Korrabu Padma, her family and villagers; Andhra Pradesh government officials and health authorities.
- What
- Padma was carried nearly 11 kilometres on a cot to reach an ambulance because vehicles could not access her village.
- When
- Padma fell ill on a Sunday; the articles also report that the drone health system began in January 2026 and was launched on August 29.
- Where
- Between Marripakalu and Palakajeedi in Koyyuru mandal, Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh; Padma was taken to Y Ramavaram Area Hospital.
- Why
- Poor road connectivity prevented an ambulance from reaching the village directly.
Villagers’ Concerns
Government’s Response
Road access
Villagers’ Concerns
Residents say the road from Marripakalu is unsafe and difficult to use because of rocks, potholes, mud, curves and uneven stretches, particularly during the rainy season.
Government’s Response
The government says road connectivity is being improved in 2,336 tribal habitations and that 905 kilometres of roads have been laid under the Adavi Talli Bata programme.
Emergency transport
Villagers’ Concerns
The incident shows villagers still sometimes have to carry patients long distances before an ambulance can reach them.
Government’s Response
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu says feeder ambulances, 108 emergency services and 104 mobile medical units are being arranged to reduce the need for doli transport.
Medical access
Villagers’ Concerns
Residents are demanding immediate action and a proper tar road because poor access creates serious difficulties in taking patients to hospitals.
Government’s Response
The government says its drone health system transports medical samples, medicines, vaccines and other supplies, and has helped patients receive services faster.
- Patient
- Korrabu Padma
- Distance carried
- About 11 kilometres
- Ambulance destination
- Y Ramavaram Area Hospital
- Road programme
- The government says 905 kilometres of roads have been laid under the Adavi Talli Bata programme.
- Habitations targeted
- Road connectivity is being improved in 2,336 tribal habitations, according to the Chief Minister.
- Drone network
- Four drones reportedly made more than 1,800 trips and travelled over 71,000 kilometres.
- Reported drone impact
- The Health Department says the system supported more than 24,500 patients and enabled over 9,000 tests.