Prayagraj: In a major step towards enhancing passenger safety, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is preparing to equip its buses with an Automatic Water Mist Fire Suppression System that can detect and extinguish fires on its own, even while the vehicle is on the move.
Advanced Sensor-Based Technology
The advanced sensor-based technology is designed to respond immediately to rising temperatures or the presence of sparks inside a bus. Once activated, the system releases a fine mist of chemically treated water to suppress the fire before it can spread, significantly reducing the risk to passengers and crew.
Trial Phase in Kanpur
As part of the initial phase, the system has been installed on a trial basis on a few buses in Kanpur. Following successful testing, the corporation plans to extend the facility to buses operating across all regions, including Prayagraj.
How the System Works
The mechanism is based on automated rapid-cooling technology. It is equipped with specialised smoke and heat detection sensors that continuously monitor conditions inside the vehicle. If the temperature rises to around 68-70 degrees Celsius or if a spark is detected, the system is triggered automatically.
Once activated, the system sprays microscopic water droplets that rapidly lower the temperature around the source of the fire. As the water converts into steam, it reduces oxygen levels in the affected area, helping extinguish the flames almost instantly. This dual-action process ensures quicker and more effective fire control.
Two Layers of Protection
The system also offers two layers of protection. In an emergency, the driver can manually activate it by pressing a dedicated button. However, if the driver is unable to respond, the system can independently detect the danger and begin fire suppression without human intervention.
Official Statement
Regional manager of UPSRTC’s Prayagraj region, Ravindra Kumar Singh, said: “The system would be made mandatory on all buses once approval is received from the corporation’s headquarters. It would help prevent fire-related incidents in the future and improve overall passenger safety.”
Installation Plans
While some manufacturers are already supplying new BS-VI model buses with the system preinstalled, older buses in the fleet will be retrofitted with the technology at departmental workshops.
