A significant enhancement to Mumbai’s firefighting capability has been projected, as it was indicated that the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) is preparing to induct two new hydraulic platforms surpassing 104 metres in height. It was conveyed that this development is taking place nearly ten years after the last major upgrade of the brigade’s equipment. Tenders for the procurement were announced by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the move was described as a step toward improving emergency response efficiency in a city where the skyline continues to rise vertically.
It was reported that the existing 90-metre snorkel, added to the fleet in 2015, has been capable of reaching about 30 floors. According to senior officials, the new platforms are expected to extend firefighting and rescue access to approximately 34 floors, thereby offering improved reach for high-rise emergencies. As per municipal guidelines, any structure above 30 metres is classified as a high-rise, and Mumbai now hosts many towers well above 40 storeys. Because of this, the complexity of rescue and firefighting operations has intensified in recent years.
Findings from recent inspections were referenced, suggesting that multiple high-rise buildings in Mumbai were found equipped with inadequate or malfunctioning internal firefighting systems. For such buildings, hydraulic platforms have been viewed as essential tools, as they enable firefighters to approach upper floors swiftly and safely. It was explained that the new 104-metre platform is planned to be acquired with a two-year guarantee along with a five-year Comprehensive Service and Maintenance Contract (CSMC), ensuring uninterrupted servicing, technical oversight, and reliable functioning after induction.
Hydraulic platforms were described as specialised fire vehicles mounted with long articulated arms connected to caged platforms, allowing safe elevation of firefighters and controlled water discharge from significant heights. The MFB’s existing inventory reportedly includes several aerial ladders, turntable ladders, and hydraulic platforms ranging from 27 to 90 metres.
Operational data from the fire brigade revealed that 4,500 to 5,000 fire-related emergencies are handled annually. It was highlighted that nearly 60% of these incidents are linked to faulty electrical circuits, while LPG-related accidents form another major category. In response, the BMC has been advocating for mandatory electrical audits similar to fire audits. Additional awareness programmes were also conducted to reduce gas cylinder-related fires.
One such large-scale public safety initiative was launched in October 2025 after a tragic incident in Kandivali involving an LPG leak at Shivani Catering Services, where six lives were lost. The campaign was targeted at slum clusters and chawls and was initiated just before Diwali, a period associated with a higher incidence of fire accidents.
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