Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Fire Tender Convoy Precedes Bengal’s New Fleet Launch
Many fire trucks drove through Calcutta on Tuesday and made some people worried.
Fire officials said there was no emergency.
The trucks were practicing their route before a large launch ceremony on Wednesday.
The new group includes 226 fire tenders for fire stations across Bengal.
Some trucks carry 6,000 litres of water, while others carry 2,500 litres.
Three special trucks can raise water to a height of 36 metres.
The trucks will gather at Red Road after leaving Behala.
Officials are also adding standby fire stations and patrol motorcycles to improve safety during Durga Puja.
More than 200 fire tenders moved through Calcutta on Tuesday, alarming some motorists and onlookers.
Officials said the convoy was a dry run before the launch of 226 new tenders on Wednesday.
The fleet includes 25 mounted pumps, 198 mid-sized water tenders and three articulated water towers.
The tenders are scheduled to travel from Behala to Red Road, with possible disruption around several central and southern roads.
Ahead of Durga Puja, officials also announced more standby stations, stricter pandal safety compliance and increased patrol motorcycles.
- Who
- The state fire and emergency services, fire department officials and state fire minister Kaushik Chowdhury are involved; chief minister Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to launch the fleet.
- What
- A convoy of more than 200 fire tenders conducted a dry run ahead of the launch of 226 new tenders.
- When
- The convoy moved on Tuesday, with the fleet launch scheduled for Wednesday afternoon and the transfer to Red Road around 6am.
- Where
- The tenders were moved through Calcutta and are being assembled from the Institute of Fire Service in Behala to Red Road.
- Why
- The dry run precedes the new fleet launch and forms part of expanded fire-safety preparations ahead of Durga Puja.
Public Concern
Official Explanation
Cause of the convoy
Public Concern
The movement of hundreds of tenders triggered panic among some motorists and onlookers.
Official Explanation
Fire department officials said the vehicles were taking part in a planned dry run, not responding to an emergency.
Traffic impact
Public Concern
The convoy could cause congestion in parts of south and southwest Calcutta and disrupt traffic around Red Road, Mayo Road, Casuarina Avenue and Cathedral Road.
Official Explanation
Officials planned the movement from Behala to Red Road ahead of the launch ceremony, indicating it was a coordinated logistical exercise.
Fire-safety preparations
Public Concern
The expanded deployment reflects the need for stronger safety arrangements during Durga Puja, including strict compliance by pandals.
Official Explanation
Officials are increasing resources through 226 new tenders, 109 standby stations and more patrol motorcycles.
- New tenders
- 226 fire tenders will be distributed among fire stations across Bengal.
- Fleet composition
- 25 mounted pumps with tanks, 198 mid-sized water tenders and three articulated water towers.
- Mounted pump capacity
- Each of the 25 mounted pumps can carry 6,000 litres of water.
- Mid-sized tender capacity
- Each of the 198 mid-sized water tenders can carry 2,500 litres of water and operate under high pressure.
- Water tower reach
- The three articulated water towers can take water to a height of 36 metres.
- Fire stations
- There are 175 fire stations, with 109 standby stations planned during Puja, compared with 99 last year.
- Patrol motorcycles
- The number of patrol motorcycles is increasing from 250 to 350.