Delhi Fire Service to get major revamp: CM
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday announced a major revamp of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), with a budget allocation of Rs 504 crore aimed at modernising infrastructure, equipment and training.
The announcement was made during her visit to the DFS headquarters in Connaught Place, where she met firefighters and inspected new fire-safety technologies.
Of the total allocation, Rs 110 crore will be spent on purchasing modern machinery, including advanced fire engines, aerial water tower (AWT) vehicles, 32-meter turntable ladders, mini fire-fighting robots, and quick response vans (QRVs). A hundred specially designed fire vehicles will also be deployed in narrow lanes to ensure swift action in congested areas.
“Our government is committed to strengthening the Capital’s fire safety infrastructure. Delhi Fire Service is not just a fire-fighting force, but a frontline disaster response team that acts with courage and precision during every emergency,” said CM Gupta.
Highlighting the technological upgrades, the Chief Minister said all fire vehicles would be fitted with surveillance cameras and tracked in real-time using a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. The fire control room will also undergo technical enhancements, and personnel will be trained in the use of new digital tools.
The government also plans to build a new headquarters for the Delhi Fire Service, replacing the current dilapidated structure. A roadmap has been prepared for both short-term and long-term reforms. Short-term initiatives include recruitment drives, repair of existing equipment, and public awareness campaigns. Long-term measures involve developing a GIS-based centralised portal for fire management, modernising fire trucks with eco-friendly technology and establishing international partnerships for training and knowledge exchange.
“Delhi has 86 fire stations and over 3,000 firefighters who respond to more than 36,000 emergencies annually — the highest among Indian metros,” CM Gupta said. She said the city would see the establishment of 100 new fire posts, particularly in areas with high population density and narrow access roads.
In a demonstration at the event, the DFS showcased its new hi-tech tools, including remote-controlled AWT vehicles equipped with thermal and optical cameras, fire-fighting robots capable of operating in extreme heat and QRVs designed to handle incidents involving LPG and electrical fires.
CM Gupta also emphasised that the Delhi Government was developing its own disaster response capabilities, reducing dependence on national agencies.
“We will strengthen the Delhi State Disaster Management Authority and make Delhi a city that is not only modern but also self-reliant in managing emergencies,” she said. Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood was also present during the visit.
Delhi