December 12, 2025: The Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has approved the purchase of two advanced aerial ladders to strengthen its emergency response capacity, particularly in highrise-dominated areas. The new equipment — a 55-metre ladder and a 28-metre ladder — will together cost approximately Rs 22 crore and are intended to support rescue operations during fires and other emergencies.
The 55-metre ladder will enable firefighters to reach structures as tall as 15 to 20 floors or more, significantly enhancing access in densely built neighbourhoods. The 28-metre ladder, meanwhile, will be deployed for medium-height buildings such as hospitals, schools, malls, industries, hotels and similar establishments. Officials said the procurement is aligned with increasing safety demands as Panvel continues to witness rapid vertical growth in its real estate landscape.
The decision follows persistent appeals from activists who have highlighted gaps in the civic body’s existing disaster-management infrastructure. With the rise of highrises across the PCMC jurisdiction, citizens and local experts have stressed the need for more sophisticated firefighting and rescue equipment.
“The municipal corporation has the responsibility to protect the life of citizens and their properties. Accordingly, modern facilities are being provided by the civic body. The purchase of the aerial ladders is a step forward in this regard,” said PCMC municipal commissioner Mangesh Chitale.
Civic officials added that the new ladders will not only support emergency fire operations but also serve as essential tools for varied disaster scenarios, including industrial accidents and structural collapses. The PCMC aims to bolster its readiness as Panvel’s urban profile expands, ensuring that first responders can reach higher floors swiftly and safely.
With the procurement process now underway, the civic body expects the new equipment to significantly improve its ability to manage emergencies across a widening range of building types and heights.
Source: The Times of India
