Overview
- The state launched 300 upgraded 102 Thalli Bidda Express vehicles on Tuesday, August 11, with officials saying the remaining 200 of a 500‑vehicle procurement will enter service within about two months.
- The vehicles are fitted with specific safety and connectivity features including air conditioning, six airbags, rear‑seat belts, child‑lock sliding doors, ABS/ESP, AIS‑140 GPS/VLTD tracking, NavIC coverage, dual‑SIM 4G, backup batteries and an SOS button tied to the 102 call centre.
- The government says the service will expand beyond post‑delivery drop‑back to cover scheduled antenatal pickups and emergency transfers for high‑risk pregnancies, with free return trips for women who deliver at government hospitals.
- Operation of the fleet has been awarded to a private consortium led by Vidyaveda Foundation and M/s Srinivasa Tours and Travels and a budget of ₹37.40 crore was proposed for 2026–27 to support the service.
- Officials announced plans to recruit female drivers and to integrate 102 pregnancy transport with 108 emergency ambulances and 104 village‑level services, a move that could improve timely access to obstetric care and let authorities track response times and outcomes in real time.