Overview
- The state government held a flag-off on Friday for 58 firefighting vehicles bought for about ₹40 crore, comprising 25 advanced tenders, 20 water bowsers and 13 quick-response multipurpose units.
- The second-phase purchase used 15th Finance Commission funds and forms part of a larger ₹252.86 crore programme funded by both Centre and State authorities with a third procurement phase planned.
- Each of the 20 water bowsers holds 14,000 litres to provide continuous water supply at major urban and industrial fires, reducing the need to find external water sources during prolonged incidents.
- The 25 advanced tenders are tailored for rapid access to rural and forest locations while the 13 quick-response units are built to reach narrow, congested streets where standard tenders cannot operate.
- The government is also building 17 new fire stations at about ₹2.25 crore each, six are complete and 36 existing stations are being modernised, steps meant to sustain faster response times and broader coverage for communities across Andhra Pradesh.