Nagpur's firefighting capabilities have received a monumental boost with the arrival of a state-of-the-art 70-metre hydraulic platform, marking the tallest and most advanced fire rescue system ever acquired by the city's municipal corporation.
Addressing Nagpur's Vertical Growth Challenge
The impressive fire rescue vehicle reached Nagpur early Wednesday morning, representing a critical enhancement to the fire and emergency services department. This strategic acquisition comes as a direct response to the rapid vertical expansion witnessed across Nagpur and surrounding NMRDA regions.
Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari emphasized the growing necessity for such equipment. "Over recent years, permissions for buildings reaching 70 metres in height have increased substantially," Chaudhari explained. "This has resulted in numerous high-rise residential and commercial structures emerging throughout the city. However, until now, our fire department lacked equipment capable of reaching such heights, creating significant operational challenges during emergencies."
Recognizing this critical gap, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation initiated the procurement process following a 2022 administrative approval specifically designed to strengthen high-rise firefighting capabilities.
The Rising Skyline: Nagpur's High-Rise Revolution
Statistical data from NMC reveals a dramatic transformation in Nagpur's urban landscape. During 2019-20, the city contained approximately 15 buildings exceeding 40 metres in height within corporation limits. However, demand for vertical construction soon accelerated dramatically.
The approval numbers tell a compelling story:
- 2020-2021: 24 buildings over 40 metres approved
- 2021-2022: 29 buildings over 40 metres approved
- 2022-2023: 46 buildings over 40 metres approved
In just the past couple of years, NMC's town planning department has cleared 50 high-rise buildings that will stand taller than 40 metres. Cumulatively until 2022-23, the corporation approved around 144 buildings exceeding 40 metres in height, though construction has begun on only a few, with notable developments like Godrej Anandam and Empress City already completed.
Technical Specifications and Strategic Investment
The newly acquired hydraulic platform, sourced from Finland-based Bronto Skylift OyAB through Mumbai's M/s Brijbasi Fire Safety Pvt Ltd handling supply and technical integration, represents a significant financial commitment.
The vehicle carries a total cost of ₹15.10 crore, with 90% of the amount already disbursed. The remaining balance will be released following formal handover procedures. Additionally, NMC paid ₹4.72 crore in customs duties since the equipment is fully imported.
This procurement was executed under the fire department's sanctioned budget for 2024-25, which included a specific provision of ₹40 crore for equipment purchases, authorized by Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari.
The acquisition includes a three-year warranty and a five-year comprehensive maintenance contract valued at ₹28.95 lakh, ensuring long-term operational reliability.
Chief Fire Officer Tushar Barahate confirmed that "all technical tests and inspections for the hydraulic platform have been successfully completed at Brijbasi's Mumbai workshop." With these crucial procedures finalized, NMC anticipates officially inducting the vehicle into service shortly.
Enhancing Comprehensive Firefighting Capabilities
Beyond the landmark hydraulic platform, NMC has strategically expanded its emergency response arsenal with orders for six small fire tenders, each boasting 2,000-litre water capacity, plus a specialized foam tender equipped with 12,000 litres of water and 1,000 litres of foam.
These additional vehicles will significantly strengthen the department's capacity to effectively address industrial, commercial, and residential fire incidents across the city.
Currently, Nagpur's fire department operates:
- Four small fire tenders
- Two 3,000-litre capacity fire tenders
- Fourteen 5,000-litre capacity fire tenders
- Seven water bowsers carrying 16,000 litres each
- One 32-metre hydraulic platform
- One 42-metre turntable ladder
The introduction of the 70-metre platform represents a quantum leap in emergency response infrastructure, finally aligning Nagpur's fire safety capabilities with its rapidly evolving skyline. Once operational, this cutting-edge rescue vehicle will become the tallest in the region, empowering firefighters to reach upper floors of skyscrapers during fire emergencies and complex evacuation operations.
