Free Maternal Transport: AP to Launch 500 Thalli-Bidda Express Vehicles

The Andhra Pradesh Government is set to launch 500 dedicated ‘Thalli-Bidda Express’ vehicles to provide free transportation services for pregnant women, new mothers and newborn babies, strengthening maternal and neonatal healthcare across the state. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that the initiative is expected to benefit nearly 2.75 lakh women every year, with the service aimed at ensuring safe and comfortable travel during one of the most critical phases of childbirth.

On Monday, the Chief Minister inspected specially designed Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Multi Utility Vehicles (MUVs) that will be deployed under the scheme. He reviewed the vehicles' design, safety features, passenger amenities, and the branding developed to create public awareness. He also approved the branding and visual identity that will be displayed on the vehicles before they are rolled out across the state.

Once the branding and stickering process is completed, the 500 vehicles will be deployed statewide. The service will provide free transport for women delivering in government hospitals, enabling new mothers, newborn babies, and one accompanying family member to travel safely from the hospital to their homes.

The vehicles will also be used to transport high-risk pregnancies and women suffering from severe anaemia to hospitals for medical examinations and treatment. By providing dedicated non-emergency maternal transport, the government aims to improve access to timely healthcare while allowing emergency ambulances to remain available for critical medical cases.

Each vehicle has been equipped with rear-seat seat belts, footrests for easier boarding, air conditioning, first-aid kits, fire safety equipment, and a GPS-based real-time tracking system to enhance passenger safety and enable continuous monitoring of operations.

The initiative complements the objectives of the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), the Centre's maternal and child healthcare programme that promotes free transport and treatment for pregnant women and newborns. Dedicated transport has been identified as a key factor in reducing delays in accessing healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas where reliable transport remains a challenge.

Officials also briefed the Chief Minister on the implementation strategy, fleet management, and statewide deployment plan. The government said the programme is designed to provide safe, reliable and dignified transportation for mothers and infants while improving the overall quality of maternal and neonatal healthcare services in Andhra Pradesh.