NEW DELHI: To bolster Delhi’s emergency response capabilities, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) headquarters in Connaught Place today and unveiled a wide-ranging modernization plan aimed at transforming the DFS into one of the most technologically advanced fire services globally. She was accompanied by Delhi Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood.
Commending the unwavering dedication and bravery of Delhi’s firefighting personnel, the Chief Minister acknowledged the DFS’s critical role not just in fire emergencies, but also in handling a range of disaster situations across the city. “Our vision is to make Delhi a safe and vigilant city,” she stated. “The Delhi Fire Service stands as a symbol of courage and resilience. Through this modernization drive, we aim to elevate it into the most advanced firefighting force in both the nation and the world.”
The Delhi Government has sanctioned a robust budget of ₹504 crore for the modernization project, with ₹110 crore allocated specifically for the acquisition of new machinery and cutting-edge equipment. A standout feature of the plan includes the deployment of 100 compact, high-tech fire engines engineered to access the city’s narrow and densely populated areas.
Embracing advanced technology, the fire control room will be upgraded with a sophisticated Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, enabling real-time tracking of fire vehicles. Each fire unit will also be equipped with surveillance cameras for live monitoring, enhancing operational coordination. In addition, the control room will undergo a technical overhaul, and personnel will receive specialized training to improve communication and dispatch efficiency.
Further infrastructure upgrades include the reconstruction of the aging DFS headquarters, a move reflecting the government’s dedication to operational readiness and safety.
The modernization initiative encompasses both short-term and long-term goals. In the immediate phase, the government will focus on recruiting additional staff to meet workforce demands, repairing and maintaining current fire equipment, and launching public awareness campaigns to promote fire safety. Over the long term, plans include the development of a GIS-enabled centralized fire management portal, the introduction of environmentally friendly and advanced fire vehicles, and forging international collaborations to provide world-class training and capacity building for DFS personnel.
During her visit, CM Gupta was shown demonstrations of several newly deployed firefighting technologies. These included remotely operated Articulated Water Tower Vehicles equipped with thermal and optical cameras—now stationed at Connaught Place and Lakshmi Nagar; 32-meter Turntable Ladders capable of 360-degree rotation for high-rise rescues; and Made-in-India Mini Fire-Fighting Robots capable of operating in extreme heat up to 500°C and delivering 2,500 liters of water per minute. Additionally, 24 Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) have been introduced, specifically designed to navigate congested localities and tackle electrical or LPG-related incidents.
With 86 fire stations and a workforce of over 3,000 firefighters, the DFS currently handles more than 36,000 emergency cases annually—the highest among India’s metro cities. CM Gupta also announced plans to establish 100 new fire posts in underserved and high-risk areas, particularly where narrow lanes pose a challenge for standard fire engines.
She further emphasized that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Delhi Government is focused on building a self-reliant and robust disaster management framework. This includes strengthening the Delhi State Disaster Management Authority, enabling it to respond independently and efficiently to emergencies without depending solely on national agencies.