A pregnant woman in Ulhasnagar, in Maharashtra’s Thane district, delivers her baby inside an autorickshaw after getting stuck in heavy traffic shortly before reaching the government-run Central Hospital. The woman, 30-year-old Harikala Thapa, goes into labour while being taken to the hospital, and her family is unable to find another vehicle near their home.
Reports say the autorickshaw crawls in congested traffic between the Seva Sadan area and Mayur Hotel in the New Era locality, moving only minimally for around 20 minutes. With her delivery underway just minutes from the hospital, she gives birth inside the vehicle. On arrival, doctors examine the mother and newborn and admit them for further care, with reporting indicating the baby is healthy.
Outlets frame the event as both an urgent emergency delivery and a renewed example of how persistent traffic congestion can disrupt access to healthcare, including potential delays for ambulances and other patients.
