Now Reading: Naidu launches 58 firefighting vehicles, outlines ₹252.86 crore plan
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Naidu launches 58 firefighting vehicles, outlines ₹252.86 crore plan
The Story in Brief
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu flagged off 58 advanced firefighting vehicles costing ₹40 crore from 15th Finance Commission funds in Amaravati on Thursday. The fleet includes 25 vehicles for rural and forest areas, 20 water bowsers each carrying 14,000 litres, and 13 quick-response units for narrow streets.
Naidu said the government is modernising the Fire Services Department in phases at a total cost of ₹252.86 crore, with central and state funding. The first phase deployed 65 vehicles; the third phase is planned. Seventeen new fire station buildings are under construction at ₹2.25 crore each, with six completed, and 36 existing stations are being modernised.
The Indian Opinion
Big procurement numbers are easy to announce; the real test is whether the vehicles reach rural stations on time and are maintained. The government has cited 15th Finance Commission funds and a phased rollout, but past schemes have often stalled at the third phase. Citizens should watch if the 17 new fire station buildings are completed by next year and whether the ₹252.86 crore figure is fully spent, not just allocated.
Sources (2): thehindu.com, deccanchronicle.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
