PANAJI: The Goa Government has expanded the operational capacity of the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services with the induction of 18 modern firefighting and support vehicles, aimed at enhancing disaster response, rescue operations and public safety across the State. The fleet was formally dedicated to public service at the Directorate headquarters in St. Inez, Panaji.
The newly added fleet comprises eight Mid-Sized Water Tenders (MSWTs), a Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response Vehicle, a 42-metre Turn Table Ladder (TTL) and eight Hero Super Splendor motorcycles.
Of the eight MSWTs, five were procured under the 15th Finance Commission at a cost of ₹5.43 crore and deployed at the fire stations in Canacona, Curchorem, Vasco, Pilerne and Pernem. The remaining three, purchased by the Goa Government for ₹4.49 crore, have replaced ageing vehicles at the Margao, Ponda and Vasco fire stations.
The Directorate has also added a specialised Hazmat Response Vehicle worth ₹5.39 crore to strengthen its ability to respond to chemical leaks, hazardous material incidents, industrial emergencies and technical rescue operations. The vehicle is equipped with advanced firefighting systems, hydraulic rescue equipment and specialised protective gear for handling complex emergencies.
To enhance rescue operations in high-rise buildings, the department has inducted a 42-metre Turn Table Ladder costing ₹11.41 crore. The aerial platform features a hydraulically operated, 360-degree rotating extendable ladder with a rescue cage, enabling firefighters to efficiently tackle emergencies at greater heights.
For field inspections, supervision and operational duties, eight Hero Super Splendor motorcycles have also been procured through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and deployed across various fire stations and the Motor Transport Section.
The Directorate said all newly inducted firefighting vehicles are fitted with GPS-based Vehicle Tracking Systems, allowing real-time monitoring from the State Fire Control Room. The system is expected to improve dispatch efficiency, route planning, operational monitoring and coordination during emergencies.
According to the Directorate, the addition of the new fleet reflects the Goa Government’s continued commitment to modernising emergency services and strengthening the State’s firefighting, rescue and disaster management capabilities.
