The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Government of Goa, held an inauguration ceremony for six newly inducted Mid-Sized Water Tenders on 7th November 2025 at 11:00 a.m at the Fire Force Headquarters Training Ground, Panaji. The vehicles were formally inaugurated by the Hon. Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod P. Sawant, in the august presence of Shri Nitin V. Raiker, Director, Fire & Emergency Services, senior officers, and fire personnel from across the State.
The newly inducted water tenders have been fabricated on TATA 1416 chassis and are equipped with advanced fire-fighting and rescue equipment including a 4000-litre water tank, high-performance fire pump, 35-feet extension ladder, breathing apparatus sets, fire proximity suits, hand controlled nozzles, specialised fire fighting helmets, fall arrest harness, electrical chain saws, petrol driven chain saws, portable generators of 3 KVA, high beam LED lighting system, fire extinguishers etc. Each vehicle is also equipped with a GPS-based vehicle tracking system integrated with the State and Zonal Fire Control Rooms, enabling real-time monitoring and enhanced operational coordination during emergencies.
Of the six vehicles, three have been procured under the 15th Finance Commission Scheme with the support of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and the remaining three from the State Government funds, replacing old and unserviceable vehicles. The total procurement cost is ₹6.51 crore (inclusive of GST) through a transparent tendering process via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
These mid-sized water tenders will be strategically deployed at Bicholim, Valpoi, Mapusa, Pernem, Old Goa, and Fire Force Headquarters, Panaji, thereby strengthening fire response capabilities across the State. Their design allows for improved accessibility in industrial, congested urban, and remote areas, ensuring faster and more effective fire and rescue operations.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon. Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod P. Sawant commended the Directorate’s efforts towards modernization and emphasized the Government’s continued commitment to enhancing public safety infrastructure. He appreciated the dedication and professionalism of the fire personnel in safeguarding lives and property.
In his address, Shri Nitin V. Raiker, Director, Fire & Emergency Services, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and the Government of Goa for their constant support in modernizing the fleet. He specially thanked
the Hon. Chief Minister for his leadership, encouragement, and continued focus on improving public safety infrastructure. He noted that the induction of these vehicles would “significantly enhance the operational readiness of the Directorate and strengthen the State’s overall emergency response capabilities.”
The ceremony concluded with the Hon. Chief Minister inspecting and flagging off the newly inducted vehicles, followed by a demonstration of their advanced equipment and capabilities. The occasion marked yet another milestone in the Directorate’s continuous pursuit of strengthening emergency preparedness and ensuring a Safer Goa.
