District Collector Dr. S. Venkateswar, along with MLA Arani Srinivasulu and former Union Minister Panabaka Lakshmi, flagging off modernised “102 Thalli Bidda Express” vehicles in Tirupati on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: K.V. POORNACHANDRA KUMAR
As part of the State-wide launch of the modernised “102 Thalli Bidda Express” vehicles, District Collector Dr. S. Venkateswar flagged off 16 vehicles allocated to Tirupati District at the Collectorate on Tuesday morning (August 11, 2026).
The Collector was accompanied by local MLA Arani Srinivasulu, former Union Minister Panabaka Lakshmi, A.P. Yadav Welfare Corporation Chairman Narasimha Yadav, and others during the launch.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Venkateswar said that the State government has introduced “102 Thalli Bidda Express” vehicles to provide safe medical services to pregnant women, new mothers, and infants. This initiative aims to ensure timely transport to the hospital and to safely drop mothers and newborns home after delivery.
He said that pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies or those suffering from anemia should specifically avail these services. “Thalli Bidda Express” service could be used to travel to and from hospitals for essential antenatal check-ups, related medical tests, and treatments—such as iron sucrose administration—as prescribed by doctors.
“These vehicles can also be used to safely transport mothers and their newborns home after their discharge from the hospital following delivery. Pregnant women and those who have delivered babies in government hospitals should make use of this free transport facility,” the Collector said, adding that the service could be booked by calling 102 through ANM or ASHA worker.
He noted that providing timely transport facilities to pregnant women and new mothers would further improve their access to medical services. He further said that the incidence of low-birth-weight babies can be reduced—and maternal and infant mortality significantly lowered—by continuously monitoring high-risk pregnancies and ensuring they attend scheduled medical check-ups.
MLA Srinivasulu said that the State government under the guidance of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, and Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav is undertaking special measures for the welfare of pregnant women and new mothers. He stated that the “102 Thalli Bidda Express” vehicles have been introduced as part of these efforts.
He stated that arrangements have been made to deploy 15 vehicles in Tirupati area, and one vehicle in Srikalahasti area. These vehicles will facilitate the safe transport of pregnant women from their homes to the hospital for necessary medical check-ups, he added.
Published – August 11, 2026 07:05 pm IST
