Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Ponguru Narayana distributed 1,320 bicycles in the second phase of the free bicycle distribution programme for government school students. Along with his daughter Ponguru Sharani, Nellore Rural MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy and TDP official spokesperson Kotamreddy Giridhar Reddy, the Minister distributed the cycles at Z.P. High School in Dargamitta, Nellore, on Thursday.
Earlier, the Minister announced the distribution of free bicycles worth ₹6 crore to 10,000 students studying in government high schools across Nellore city and rural constituencies. As part of the initiative, 7,000 bicycles were already distributed in the first phase in July 2026. Of these, 4.500 bicycles were distributed to students in the city constituency, while 2,500 went to those in the rural.
Of the 1,320 bicycles distributed in the second phase, 550 were given to students of KAC College in city constituency, and 770 to Class IX students of 11 government high schools in the rural constituency. Following requests from the students of other schools and colleges, Mr. Narayana decided to distribute 12,000 bicycles in total with his own funds of ₹8 crore. The remaining bicycles will be distributed in January, 2027.
Recalling his own childhood days, Mr. Narayana said, “I used to walk three kilometres to school as I could not afford a bicycle. Now I am offering these bicycles with my own funds as distance should not become a barrier for the education of underprivileged students.”
“I hope the education of girl students will not be interrupted due to distance and the bicycles would ease their commute and serve as a first step towards realising their dreams. There is no greater investment than the one made for the future of underprivileged children. Students should study hard, make their parents proud, and become role models for the society,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sridhar Reddy lauded the Minister for providing the bicycles to the students in his constituency and expressed his gratitude. He further stated that development works worth ₹966 crore have been undertaken in the constituency with the Minister’s cooperation.
Published – October 08, 2026 10:00 pm IST
